key contention

USAGE SUMMARY

"key contention" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the main argument or disagreement in a discussion or debate. Example: The key contention in the meeting was whether to increase funding for the arts or to allocate it towards healthcare.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Even long-time environmentalists in Australia question Klein's key contention.

The Guardian - Opinion

The labor board's action was in line with a key contention of the Obama administration.

The New York Times

One key contention of private operators' supporters is that their innovation and customer service has increased passenger numbers.

The Guardian - Business

The key contention is saleability: in the age of smartphones, will people still pay morre than £200 for a dedicated piece of gaming hardware any more?

The Guardian - Tech

Norwegian business title Dagens Næringsliv reported that the key contention in the dispute is whether Tidal's subscriber figures and financial performance were accurately communicated before the acquisition.

The Guardian

Both courts accepted a key contention of affirmative action advocates: that racial preferences in admissions enhance the educational experience not only of minority students but of whites, too.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Barry Gewen's thoughtful essay "Forget the Founding Fathers" (June 5) is inaccurate in one of its key contentions.

The New York Times

Runciman is gloomy because one of his key contentions is that representative government has lost the capacity to reinvigorate itself.

The Guardian - Books

The inference here is the Treasury work wouldn't support the key contentions in the government scare campaign.

The Guardian

After all, one of her key contentions — which Gray does not choose to discuss — is that women will always be second-class citizens until they are able to support themselves.

The New York Times - Books

The Israeli leader issued a tart response to the president's speech before emplaning for Washington on Thursday night.Beyond the mention of 1967 and other detailed specifics earnestly being parsed by the experts, Mr Obama's speech was striking in that it deliberately embraced and articulated the key contentions advanced by the Israeli peace camp, now in opposition to the Netanyahu government.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "key contention" to clearly identify the central argument or disagreement in a discussion or debate, ensuring the focus remains on the most critical point.

Common error

While "key contention" is appropriate for formal writing, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal contexts, where simpler phrases like "main point" or "central issue" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key contention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important point of disagreement or argument, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key contention" is a noun phrase used to highlight the central argument or disagreement in a discussion or debate. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve "key contention" for formal contexts. Related phrases include "main argument", "central claim", and "core disagreement". Remember to use "key contention" to clearly identify and emphasize the main point of conflict to improve clarity and focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main point of contention

Simple swap of "key" with "main".

main argument

Focuses on the primary point being argued.

central claim

Highlights the most important assertion.

core disagreement

Emphasizes the fundamental point of dispute.

chief point of conflict

Pinpoints the primary area of opposition.

principal bone of contention

Indicates the main issue causing disagreement.

primary source of debate

Highlights the main origin of discussion and disagreement.

fundamental point at issue

Stresses the essential point in question.

crucial point of dispute

Emphasizes the critical nature of the disagreement.

essential argument

Focuses on the basic argument.

FAQs

What does "key contention" mean?

"Key contention" refers to the main argument or disagreement in a discussion, debate, or dispute. It highlights the central point where parties hold opposing views.

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

You can use "key contention" to identify the core disagreement. For example: "The "key contention" in the negotiation was the allocation of resources."

What can I say instead of "key contention"?

You can use alternatives like "main argument", "central claim", or "core disagreement" depending on the context.

Is "key contention" formal or informal?

"Key contention" leans towards the formal side. In more relaxed settings, phrases like "main point" or "central issue" might be preferable.