in contention

USAGE SUMMARY

"in contention" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
The phrase is used to refer to something or someone that's actively being contested, or is likely to be involved in some kind of dispute. For example, you could say: "The newly proposed tax plan is in contention as opposition politicians argue it will have a negative effect on low-income households."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is he in contention?

Independent

"We're still in contention".

The New York Times - Sports

Wolves, too, remain in contention.

The Guardian - Sport

Miley was never in contention.

Independent

Neither is seriously in contention.

The Economist

Is Rory McIlroy in contention?

Independent

We were never in contention.

The New York Times - Sports

Lennon has several players back in contention.

Independent

He is in contention.

The New York Times - Sports

What could keep him in contention, though?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What were these guys doing in contention?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in contention" when you want to convey that someone or something has a realistic chance of success or is actively competing for a goal. For example: "Several companies are "in contention" for the government contract".

Common error

Avoid using "in contention" to describe static states or inanimate objects that cannot actively compete. Instead of saying "The old building is "in contention"", consider a more appropriate phrase like "the old building is under consideration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in contention" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun (person, team, or object) is actively competing and has a reasonable chance of success. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in contention" is a widely recognized and accepted expression used to describe a state of active competition and realistic possibility of success. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts, primarily in news and media, particularly in sports reporting. While maintaining a neutral formality, "in contention" effectively conveys the idea that someone or something is a serious participant with a legitimate chance of winning. Alternative phrases such as "in the running" or "in the hunt" can be used for variety, but it's crucial to avoid misusing "in contention" with inanimate objects or static situations. The presence of numerous examples in Ludwig demonstrates its established and versatile usage in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the running

Indicates active participation and a chance of winning, similar to "in contention".

in the running for

Specifically denotes competing for a particular prize or position.

in the hunt

Emphasizes the pursuit of a goal or prize, akin to being "in contention".

a contender

Highlights the role of someone actively competing for something.

in the frame

Suggests being considered or having a chance of success.

in the mix

Implies being one of several possibilities or candidates.

in the competition

Directly states involvement in a competitive scenario.

in the reckoning

Indicates being taken seriously as a potential winner or influence.

a possible candidate

Highlights the possibility of someone being chosen or successful.

a likely prospect

Suggests a strong possibility of achieving a desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "in contention" in a sentence?

"In contention" is used to indicate that someone or something has a reasonable chance of winning or achieving a goal. For example: "Three teams are still "in contention" for the championship title".

What are some alternatives to "in contention"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in the running", "in the hunt", or "a contender".

Is it correct to say something is 'out of contention'?

Yes, "out of contention" is a correct and commonly used phrase that means someone or something no longer has a chance of winning or succeeding.

What's the difference between "in contention" and "under consideration"?

"In contention" implies active competition and a chance of winning, whereas "under consideration" simply means something is being thought about or evaluated. Not every item "under consideration" is necessarily "in contention".