he contends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he contends" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone asserts or argues a particular point or opinion. Example: "In his article, he contends that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sector is recovering, he contends.

The New York Times

The principles are interchangeable, he contends.

The New York Times - Magazine

He contends that's the correct terminology.

The Guardian

He contends they do not exist.

The New York Times

The tax code needs modification, he contends.

The New York Times

His laddish image, he contends, is undeserved.

The Guardian

Smart companies, he contends, already recognize this.

The New York Times

He contends that Mr. Ackman's thesis is "preposterous".

The New York Times

Multinational corporations have no place in India, he contends.

The New York Times

But there have to be limits, he contends.

The New York Times

He contends that concerns about munis are overblown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he contends" to introduce a viewpoint or argument, especially when the source is presenting a position that may be debated or not universally accepted. This adds a layer of objectivity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "he contends". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms such as "he argues", "he maintains", or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he contends" functions as a reporting verb phrase. It introduces a statement of belief or argument made by a particular person. It is commonly used to present someone's opinion or position, often in a neutral or objective way. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across different source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

15%

Science

19%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he contends" is a frequently used phrase that serves to introduce someone's assertion or argument, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news, academic writing, and scientific publications, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. To enhance writing, it's advisable to use synonyms and avoid overuse in close proximity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable for presenting viewpoints objectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he argues

Replaces "contends" with the more common synonym "argues", suggesting a reasoned case.

he asserts

Emphasizes a firm and confident statement, similar to "contends".

he maintains

Suggests a consistent and persistent claim, akin to "contends".

he claims

Offers a general synonym for "contends", indicating an assertion without necessarily implying strong evidence.

he posits

Implies a more formal and theoretical assertion, suitable for academic or scientific contexts.

he suggests

Indicates a tentative or indirect assertion, less forceful than "contends".

he proposes

Highlights the act of putting forward an idea or plan for consideration.

he believes

Indicates a personal conviction, which may or may not be supported by evidence.

he insists

Emphasizes a firm and unwavering assertion, often in the face of opposition.

he opines

Highlights a personal opinion or viewpoint, often in a less formal context.

FAQs

How do I use "he contends" in a sentence?

Use "he contends" to introduce someone's argument or assertion, particularly when it's a point of view or a position being advocated. For example, "In his study, he contends that early childhood education is crucial for later academic success."

What can I say instead of "he contends"?

You can use alternatives like "he argues", "he maintains", "he asserts", or "he claims" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "he contends" than "he argues"?

Yes, "he contends" is generally considered more formal than "he argues". "He contends" often appears in academic or journalistic writing to present a viewpoint objectively, while "he argues" can be used in more general contexts.

What's the difference between "he contends" and "he suggests"?

"He contends" implies a stronger, more definite assertion, whereas "he suggests" indicates a more tentative or speculative idea. "He contends" presents an argument, while "he suggests" offers a possibility or consideration.