must contend with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must contend with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea of facing or dealing with a challenge or difficulty. Example: "In her new role, she must contend with various unexpected challenges that arise daily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Underperforming schools must contend with larger classes and fewer teachers.

The New York Times

Mr. Dimon still must contend with several problems.

The New York Times

Air fares aren't the only variable travelers must contend with.

The New York Times

But Foursquare must contend with the short attention span of mobile app users.

The New York Times - Tech

Every city on the up-and-up must contend with a gap between rich and poor.

The New Yorker

Explaining that to the voters is the challenge which Mr Obama's image-makers must contend with.

Independent

A note denounced him as homosexual.Openly gay people must contend with the constant fear of violence.

The Economist

Stern must contend with his own intramural tensions, the yawning profitability between big and small markets.

The New York Times - Sports

The company still must contend with fragile economic conditions and weak overall demand for new vehicles.

The New York Times

Climbers must contend with two notorious risks: the Khumbu Icefall and the Lhotse Face.

The New York Times

But calls for a crackdown must contend with a legacy of a light regulatory touch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must contend with" when you want to emphasize the challenges and difficulties involved in dealing with a specific situation. It adds a layer of complexity and resistance to the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "must contend with" for everyday, simple problems. Reserve it for situations involving significant challenges or conflicts. Using it too often can make your writing sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must contend with" functions as a verb phrase that indicates an obligation or necessity to deal with a challenge or difficulty. It suggests that someone or something is forced to face and manage a problem. As Ludwig shows, this construction is widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must contend with" is a frequently used verb phrase that describes the necessity of facing and managing a challenge or difficulty. Ludwig's analysis indicates its grammatical correctness and prevalent use in news, scientific, and business contexts. While versatile, it is best reserved for situations involving significant challenges to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Consider alternatives like "must deal with" or "must face" for simpler scenarios. When appropriately used, "must contend with" effectively communicates the presence of unavoidable obstacles and sets the stage for further analysis or problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must deal with

A simpler and more direct alternative to "must contend with".

must face

Focuses on the act of confronting a challenge.

must confront

Similar to "must face", but may imply a more direct or aggressive approach.

must grapple with

Replaces "contend" with "grapple", suggesting a more intense struggle.

must struggle with

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in dealing with something.

must cope with

Emphasizes the ability to manage or handle a difficult situation.

must wrestle with

Similar to "grapple", indicating a prolonged and difficult struggle.

must address

Implies taking action to resolve or manage a problem.

must navigate

Suggests carefully maneuvering through a complex situation.

are obliged to confront

Formal alternative, highlighting the sense of obligation to face problems.

FAQs

How can I use "must contend with" in a sentence?

Use "must contend with" to indicate that someone has to face or deal with something challenging. For example, "The company "must contend with" increased competition".

What's a less formal alternative to "must contend with"?

Alternatives such as "must deal with" or "must face" are less formal ways to express a similar idea.

Is "must contend with" always negative?

Yes, "must contend with" generally implies facing something difficult or problematic. It suggests having to deal with challenges or obstacles.

What is the difference between "must contend with" and "must compete with"?

"Must compete with" suggests rivalry or striving against others, while ""must contend with"" indicates facing or dealing with difficulties, which may or may not involve direct competition.