is contending for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is contending for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that is competing for a position, title, or recognition. Example: "The athlete is contending for the championship title this season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

His excellent play recently is a big reason Buffalo is contending for the post-season tournament.

The New York Times - Sports

He has fashioned a team that is contending for the Eastern Conference championship with role players.

The New York Times - Sports

Now that he is contending for another championship, Force wants to do it as fast as possible.

The New York Times - Sports

Cabrera also is contending for a second straight Most Valuable Player award, and his third straight batting title.

The New York Times - Sports

Wearing figurative goat horns was Jaromir Jagr, the Penguins' captain, who is contending for the league scoring title but too often seems uninterested.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's always an advantage to being in the lead, and being in the last group," said Furyk, who is contending for the money title and the player of the year award.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The Indians were contending for the first time in decades.

The New York Times

The Bears are contending for nothing but improvement.

The New York Times - Sports

In September of the first year, he and Mickey Mantle were contending for the batting championship.

The New Yorker

And when the Angels were contending for the American League West crown, that was a good thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Other developers are contending for the same location, and no decision has been made.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is contending for" when you want to emphasize active participation and competition for a specific prize, title, or position. It's especially fitting when the outcome is uncertain and the competition is ongoing.

Common error

Avoid using "is contending for" in situations where there isn't a clear element of competition. For instance, saying "He is contending for happiness" is less appropriate than "He is striving for happiness" because happiness isn't typically 'won' in a competition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is contending for" functions as a dynamic verb phrase indicating an ongoing competitive action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively conveys active participation in a contest or competition, as shown in examples like 'Buffalo is contending for the post-season tournament'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is contending for" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe active participation in a competitive situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriate use across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When writing, it’s important to use this phrase in contexts where there's a clear sense of competition. Consider alternatives like "is competing for" or "is vying for" to refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is competing for

Uses a more direct synonym for "contending", focusing on the act of competition.

is in contention for

A more formal way of saying "is contending for", emphasizing the state of competition.

is vying for

Implies a more intense or aggressive form of competition.

is battling for

Suggests a more forceful and potentially difficult competition.

is in the running for

Indicates being among the potential winners or candidates.

is challenging for

Highlights the act of posing a challenge to others in the competition.

is aiming for

Focuses on the goal or target of the competition.

is pursuing

Emphasizes the active effort being made to achieve a goal.

is seeking

A more general term for trying to obtain something, applicable in various contexts.

is trying to win

Simple and direct, focusing on the ultimate goal of winning.

FAQs

What does "is contending for" mean?

The phrase "is contending for" means someone or something is actively competing or striving to win a particular prize, position, or title. It suggests an ongoing competition where the outcome is yet to be determined.

What can I say instead of "is contending for"?

You can use alternatives like "is competing for", "is vying for", or "is in the running for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "is contending for" in formal writing?

Yes, "is contending for" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. More formal alternatives include "is in contention for".

What's the difference between "is contending for" and "is aiming for"?

"Is contending for" implies active competition with others, while "is aiming for" simply means someone is trying to achieve a goal, without necessarily implying direct competition.