long-standing contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long-standing contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a disagreement or dispute that has persisted for a significant amount of time. Example: "The long-standing contention between the two rival factions has led to numerous debates and discussions over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Stevens also rejected Bush's long-standing contention that the Geneva conventions did not apply to the detainees.

The New Yorker

There is the long-standing contention that certain works "belong" in the countries in which they originated – but (to dismiss a hugely complicated argument in half a sentence) if that were taken to its logical conclusion, the great museums of the world would be bare.

The Guardian - Opinion

At a political level, the coverage has also bolstered the government's assertion that its archenemy, the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, is masterminding the protests from abroad and the atheist government's long-standing contention that Tibetan monks are anything but neutral, nonpolitical and peace loving.

The New York Times

The perceived increasing use of 'restoration mortars' for the conservation of historic masonry is often viewed as controversial due to the long-standing contention associated with 'plastic' repairs in the heritage sector.

Heritage Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Genome analysis suggests a solution to a long-standing controversy.

BMC Genomics

Security executives asked the commission to make recommendations on increasing threat sharing, another long-standing point of contention between government and industry.

TechCrunch

Boole's use of v in the translation of propositions into equations, as well as its use in solving equations, has been a long-standing bone of contention.

SEP

(This is a long-standing bone of contention between Humean and Kantian accounts of knowledge for instance, as to the basis of causation. See the entry on Kant and Hume on causality).

SEP

Back-five forward King will be out for up to four months, also ruling him out of contention for the two-Test tour while centre Beck hopes to clear up a long-standing hip condition.

BBC

And a long-standing plan to harmonize the base on which corporate tax is levied in Europe is also a point of contention between Britain and Brussels.

The New York Times

Prospects brightened in September 2007 when a United Nations international tribunal settled a long-standing maritime boundary dispute between Guyana and Suriname by granting Guyana the far-larger share of the Guyana-Suriname Basin in contention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long-standing contention", ensure the context clearly indicates the issue has existed for a considerable period. Provide background or examples to illustrate the duration of the disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "long-standing contention" if the issue is relatively new or has only recently emerged. The phrase implies a significant history and duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-standing contention" functions as a noun phrase, where "long-standing" modifies the noun "contention". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a prolonged disagreement. As Ludwig AI explains, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long-standing contention" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a disagreement or dispute that has persisted over time. While not overly frequent, it is appropriate for formal and professional contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific discourse. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is valid and readily understood. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly reflects the historical nature of the issue and provide sufficient background to support the claim of a prolonged disagreement. Alternatives like "protracted dispute" or "enduring disagreement" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted dispute

Emphasizes the extended duration and adversarial nature of the disagreement.

enduring disagreement

Highlights the lasting quality of the differing opinions.

chronic conflict

Suggests a recurring and persistent state of opposition.

long-term debate

Focuses on the argumentative aspect and its extended timeframe.

old controversy

Simple alternative highlighting the age of the dispute.

perennial argument

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the argument, implying it comes up frequently.

ingrained dispute

Highlights how deeply rooted the disagreement is.

established disagreement

Focuses on the fact that the disagreement is well known and recognized.

historical dispute

Focuses on the history and origins of the disagreement.

continuing conflict

Highlights that the conflict is still ongoing.

FAQs

How can I use "long-standing contention" in a sentence?

You can use "long-standing contention" to describe a disagreement or dispute that has persisted for a significant amount of time. For example: "The "long-standing contention" between the two departments has finally been resolved."

What are some alternatives to "long-standing contention"?

Some alternatives to "long-standing contention" include "protracted dispute", "enduring disagreement", or "chronic conflict", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "long-standing contention" formal or informal?

"Long-standing contention" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression, suitable for academic, news, or professional contexts. It's less common in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "long-standing contention" and "recent dispute"?

"Long-standing contention" describes a disagreement that has persisted for a significant period, while "recent dispute" refers to a disagreement that has recently arisen. The key difference is the timeframe involved.