i contend that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I contend that" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used to introduce an opinion or point of view that you feel strongly about. For example, "I contend that social media has had a positive effect on our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I contend that access to powerful knowledge is the cornerstone of education in the Good Society.

Technology in Society

I contend that there are no "best" swimming spots.

The Guardian - Travel

Nowhere do I contend that "greed alone drove the Holocaust".

The New York Times

I contend that, perhaps, that's exactly why they're disliked.

The Guardian - Music

I contend that this isn't about women at all.

The New York Times - Sports

I contend that both the schoolboy and the testing service were wrong.

The New York Times

He added, "I contend that the loss, if any, is minimal".

The New York Times - Sports

I contend that it is possible to get a French driving license in Paris.

The New Yorker

I contend that Shakespeare in China is as much a story about China as about Shakespeare.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I contend that the appropriate materiality analysis is a two-step inquiry.

Columbia University

I contend that meta-endorsement also could occur in the politics of sanctuary campuses; here's how.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I contend that", ensure the statement that follows is clear, concise, and directly related to the overall argument or topic at hand.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I contend that". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive. Alternatives like "I believe" or "in my opinion" can provide a more fluid reading experience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I contend that" is to serve as a declarative phrase introducing a subjective statement. It sets the stage for the writer's or speaker's position on a particular topic, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I contend that" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to introduce a firm belief or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's well-suited for academic, scientific, and news contexts, signaling a position the writer is prepared to defend. While "I contend that" appears frequently across diverse sources, its overuse can make writing repetitive. To maintain engagement, vary sentence structure and consider alternatives such as "I believe that" or "in my opinion". Remember, while expressing a clear viewpoint is crucial, balancing assertiveness with stylistic variation will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is my contention that

Rephrases the original phrase with a slightly more formal tone.

I maintain that

Emphasizes a steadfast belief or persistent argument.

I assert that

Suggests a confident and forceful declaration.

I argue that

Indicates a reasoned and supported viewpoint.

I submit that

Implies a respectful presentation of an opinion.

I propose that

Introduces a suggestion or a plan for consideration.

I posit that

Presents an idea as a basis for reasoning or discussion.

I believe that

Expresses a personal conviction or opinion.

In my view

Simply states a personal perspective.

I am of the opinion that

Highlights the subjective nature of the statement.

FAQs

What does "I contend that" mean?

"I contend that" is a phrase used to introduce a statement or argument that you strongly believe to be true. It's a formal way of expressing your opinion or viewpoint.

How formal is the phrase "I contend that"?

The phrase "I contend that" is considered relatively formal and is often used in academic writing, debates, or situations where you want to express a strong viewpoint in a clear and assertive manner. In more casual settings, phrases like "I think" or "I believe" may be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "I contend that"?

Some alternatives to "I contend that" include "I maintain that", "I assert that", "I argue that", or "in my opinion". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "I contend that" in academic writing?

Yes, "I contend that" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing. It's a strong way to state your thesis or main argument. Just ensure that you support your contention with evidence and reasoning.