it was contended

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was contended" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that somebody argued or put forward a particular opinion or belief. For example, "It was contended that the proposed tax plan was too complex and difficult to implement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This was an alternative granted, and its conditions were fulfilled, it was contended, and that upon the faith of the fulfillment of it and in indemnity against contingencies, plaintiff entered into a contract of insurance with the AEtna Company.

Cornell University

That case involved the validity of a tax of a certain amount imposed by Mississippi on each sleeping and palacecar company carrying passengers 'from one point to another within the state,' and so many cents per mile 'for each mile of railroad track over which the company runs its cars in this state.' It was contended that this tax was an interference with commerce among the states.

Cornell University

It was contended that this section delegated to the President both legislative and treaty-making powers and was unconstitutional.

Cornell University

The first cause argument, it was contended, suffers from two fatal weaknesses.

Britannica

The paranoia implicit in Mc Carthyism and Goldwaterism, it was contended, sprang from nativism and demagoguery rather than from egalitarianism.

The New York Times

329, 3 L.Ed.2d 327 (1959), where it was contended that the information given by an informant to an officer was inadmissible because it was hearsay.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

By the mid-19th century, though, it was contending with Broadway to be the city's premier entertainment district.

The New York Times - Magazine

Kennan's advice was to expect nothing from negotiations but to remain confident and healthy, lest the United States become like those with whom it was contending.

Encyclopedia Britannica

JPMorgan Chase told investors that as of the second quarter of this year, it was contending with more than $3.5 billion in repurchase demands.

The New York Times

But like most opera companies around the country, it was contending with increased competition for donations and dwindling, graying audiences.

Los Angeles Times

It is contended that despite its prominence and the link between patient empowerment and autonomy, traditional bioethics is insufficient to guide participation efforts.

American Journal of Bioethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was contended" when you want to present an argument or viewpoint, especially when summarizing or reporting someone else's position. It is suited to formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was contended" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "they said" or "they thought" are more appropriate for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was contended" functions as a reporting verb phrase. It introduces a statement, argument, or claim that someone has made. As Ludwig AI states, it's a perfectly correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was contended" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for formally introducing an argument or claim. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's best suited for formal writing contexts like academic papers, news reports, and legal documents. While versatile, avoid using it in informal settings where simpler alternatives are more appropriate. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as the degree of certainty or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was asserted

Replaces 'contended' with 'asserted', emphasizing a confident and forceful statement.

it was argued

Uses 'argued' instead of 'contended', focusing on the presentation of reasons or evidence.

it was maintained

Substitutes 'contended' with 'maintained', suggesting a consistent upholding of a belief or position.

it was claimed

Replaces 'contended' with 'claimed', which can imply a less certain or potentially disputed assertion.

it was posited

Uses 'posited' instead of 'contended', indicating a suggestion or hypothesis put forward for consideration.

the argument was made

Rephrases the sentence structure, focusing on 'the argument' being presented.

the assertion was that

Restructures the sentence, emphasizing the 'assertion' being made.

the position was taken

Focuses on the 'position' adopted, rather than the act of contending.

it was the submission

Formal alternative replacing "contended" with "submission", often used in legal or formal contexts.

the belief was expressed

Highlights the expression of a 'belief', rather than a formal contention.

FAQs

How can I use "it was contended" in a sentence?

"It was contended" is typically used to introduce a statement or argument that someone has made. For example, "It was contended that the evidence was insufficient to prove guilt."

What can I say instead of "it was contended"?

You can use alternatives like "it was argued", "it was asserted", or "it was claimed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was contended" formal or informal?

"It was contended" is a formal phrase, generally used in academic, legal, or journalistic writing. It's less appropriate for casual conversations.

What's the difference between "it was contended" and "it was alleged"?

"It was contended" implies that someone presented an argument or viewpoint. "It was alleged" suggests that someone made an accusation or claim, which may not be supported by evidence yet.