it contends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it contends" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating a claim or argument made by someone or something, often in academic or formal contexts. Example: "The report argues that climate change is accelerating, and it contends that immediate action is necessary to mitigate its effects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Third, S&P has ventured way outside its franchise when it contends that the downgrade reflects political uncertainty.

Huffington Post

Regulations, it contends, stifle business and innovation.

The New York Times

Forget the calamity in Bradford West, it contends.

Independent

This went on for five years, it contends.

The New York Times - Tech

It contends that the rebels hold 50,000.

The New York Times

The gunshots, it contends, were several minutes earlier.

The Guardian

The government, it contends, has no business running an energy company.

The Economist

Nutritional standards, it contends, must be decided by regulators and food companies, not Hollywood.

The New York Times

It contends that the true record-holder is not Baylor but Hughie Jennings….

The New Yorker

Those assets were then placed in a side pocket, it contends.

The New York Times

It contends that most are criminals, though that still includes many minor offenders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it contends", follow it with a clear and concise statement of what is being argued or claimed. Ensure the sentence structure is grammatically sound for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it contends" in casual or informal writing. It's best suited for formal reports, academic papers, or news articles. Simpler phrases like "it says" or "it suggests" are more appropriate for less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it contends" functions as a reporting verb phrase. It introduces a statement, claim, or argument made by a subject, presenting it formally. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it contends" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for formally presenting a claim or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, its natural habitat is formal writing, particularly in news, academic, and business contexts. While highly valuable for analytical precision, remember that alternatives like "it asserts" or "it claims" might be more fitting in less formal settings. Therefore, wield "it contends" with the awareness of register, ensuring it amplifies your writing's clarity rather than sounding out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it asserts

Emphasizes a strong declaration or statement of fact.

it claims

Suggests a statement made without necessarily providing proof.

it argues

Highlights the presentation of a reasoned case or point of view.

it maintains

Indicates a consistent and persistent assertion of a belief or position.

it posits

Introduces a theory or hypothesis for consideration.

it suggests

Implies a possibility or inference based on available evidence.

it alleges

Used when stating something that is claimed to be true but is yet unproven, often in legal contexts.

it avers

A more formal and emphatic way of stating something is true.

it insists

Highlights a firm and unwavering declaration.

it affirms

Indicates a declaration of truth or validity.

FAQs

How can I use "it contends" in a sentence?

Use "it contends" to introduce a formal assertion or argument, for example: "The study "it contends" that stricter regulations are necessary."

What are some alternatives to "it contends"?

You can use alternatives like "it asserts", "it claims", or "it argues" depending on the context and the strength of the statement.

Is there a difference between "it contends" and "it claims"?

"It contends" often implies a more reasoned or formal argument, while "it claims" can suggest a statement made without necessarily providing strong evidence. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "it contends" in writing?

Use "it contends" in formal writing, such as academic papers, legal documents, or news articles, where you need to present a specific assertion or argument made by someone or something.