has contended with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has contended with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has faced challenges or difficulties over a period of time. Example: "The organization has contended with numerous obstacles in its efforts to achieve its goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Snellgrove has contended with his share of obstacles since he began composting two years ago.

The Washington Post

In recent years, the company has contended with a global slump in aluminum demand.

The New York Times

Lately, though, Dow has contended with extreme weather in the region.

The New Yorker

Since independence, Burma has contended with various ideological and ethnic insurgencies.

The New Yorker

More recently, he has contended with a troubled launch for the Nintendo 3DS.

The Guardian - Tech

This week, Mr. Papandreou has contended with two defections from within his own Socialist Party and growing dissent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

None had contended with a Commander-in-Chief who spoke approvingly about autocrats.

The New Yorker

Before this happened, I had known of only two women who had contended with such devastating circumstances.

Independent

There was not a major winner — nor anyone who had contended with any regularity — in the bunch.

The New York Times - Sports

In recent years, some of these agencies have contended with disclosures that they overcharged the federal government.

The Washington Post

For years, major businesses have contended with hackers attempting to break into their networks and steal their data.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has contended with" to describe ongoing or past struggles and difficulties that someone or something has faced. For instance, "The company has contended with increased competition in recent years."

Common error

Avoid using "has contended with" when referring to a single, isolated incident. This phrase implies a prolonged or recurring struggle, not a one-time event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has contended with" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject has faced or struggled with challenges or difficulties over a period of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has contended with" is a versatile phrase used to describe the experience of facing challenges or difficulties over time. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in various forms of writing, particularly in news and media. According to Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. While alternatives exist, "has contended with" effectively conveys a sense of prolonged struggle. It's crucial to use the phrase accurately, recognizing that it implies a continuous struggle, not a one-off event. By understanding its meaning and context, writers can effectively use "has contended with" to add depth and nuance to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has struggled against

Replaces "contended with" to emphasize the difficulty of the challenge.

has battled against

Implies a more intense and prolonged effort in facing the challenge.

has grappled with

Suggests a close and often difficult interaction with the problem.

has faced challenges

A more general way of saying "has contended with", focusing on the challenges themselves.

has dealt with difficulties

Emphasizes the difficulties encountered.

has coped with

Highlights the ability to manage or overcome the challenges.

has endured

Focuses on the act of surviving or withstanding hardship.

has weathered

Implies successfully passing through a difficult period or situation.

has overcome

Stresses the successful resolution of the challenges.

has been up against

Indicates facing opposition or a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "has contended with" in a sentence?

Use "has contended with" to describe challenges or difficulties that someone or something has faced over a period of time. For example, "The athlete has contended with injuries throughout her career."

What can I say instead of "has contended with"?

You can use alternatives like "has struggled against", "has battled against", or "has faced challenges" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "has contended with" to describe a single event?

No, "has contended with" typically implies a recurring or prolonged struggle, not a one-time event. Use other phrases like "faced" or "dealt with" for single events.

What's the difference between "has contended with" and "has overcome"?

"Has contended with" implies ongoing challenges, whereas "has overcome" suggests a successful resolution of those challenges. For example, "The organization has contended with financial difficulties" (ongoing) vs. "The organization "has overcome" its financial difficulties" (resolved).