contesting to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contesting to" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be a confusion with "contesting" which typically does not require "to" following it. Example: "She is contesting the results of the election."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And Spain's privacy regulator has ordered Google (which is contesting) to delete out-of-date and inaccurate information.

The Guardian - Opinion

As he pounds away on the treadmill, we hear about the "Man's Man final in Mansfield, hosted by Jason Manford", which he's contesting to prove his unimpeachable masculinity.

The Guardian

"I'm contesting to be government.

BBC

Harrison's comeback bout was under threat because Warren and rival promoter Frank Maloney were contesting to whom the boxer was contracted, but Warren believes the trouble might have been avoided if he had got back in the ring sooner.

BBC

In spite of all these challenges, a total of 6,000 parliamentary candidates from 58 different political parties across the country will be contesting to book a five-year tenure at the 548 sit parliament, the highest legislative body in the country.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Enter contests to get your band/club well known.

WikiHow

First, to "contest" simply means to challenge.

The New York Times

Peak won the contest to loud applause.

The New York Times - Sports

Others are sponsoring contests to create commercials.

The New York Times

It was an odd contest to read.

The Guardian - Sport

A poster contest to increase public awareness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "contesting to". Use "contesting" or a suitable alternative like "competing for" or "challenging" depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

The verb "contest" typically doesn't require the preposition "to" after it when indicating a challenge or dispute. Using "contesting to" can lead to grammatical errors and unclear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contesting to" is typically intended to express the act of challenging or competing for something. However, it's grammatically non-standard. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is not correct in standard written English and suggests using alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contesting to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig confirms this assessment, advising against its use. When aiming to convey the meaning of challenging or competing, it's best to opt for alternatives like "contesting", "competing for", or "challenging". While the phrase may occasionally appear in news or general web content, adhering to standard grammar will enhance clarity and credibility in your writing. Therefore, avoid using the phrase "contesting to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Contesting

Removing the 'to' makes it grammatically correct while maintaining the core meaning of challenging or disputing.

Challenging

This is a direct replacement, focusing on the act of questioning or disputing something.

Competing for

This highlights the competitive aspect, emphasizing the goal or prize being pursued.

Vying for

Similar to competing, but suggests a more intense or eager struggle.

In contention for

Indicates being in a position where one could potentially win or achieve something.

Striving for

Focuses on the effort and ambition involved in trying to achieve something.

Battling for

Emphasizes the conflict or struggle involved in the competition.

Fighting for

Implies a determined and forceful effort to win or achieve something.

Disputing

Focuses on formally disagreeing with or contesting something.

Endeavoring to

A more formal way of expressing an attempt to achieve something.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use the verb "contest"?

The verb "contest" is typically followed directly by the object being contested. For example, "He is contesting the election results" is correct, whereas "He is contesting to the election results" is incorrect.

What are some alternatives to "contesting to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "competing for", "challenging", or "vying for".

Is "contesting to" ever correct?

No, the phrase "contesting to" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It is best to avoid using this phrase.

How can I avoid making mistakes when using the word "contest"?

Remember that "contest" usually doesn't need a preposition after it when it means to challenge or dispute. Double-check your sentences to ensure you're not adding an unnecessary "to".