primary contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main argument or point of disagreement in a discussion or debate. Example: "The primary contention of the article is that climate change is primarily driven by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is Lanier's primary contention.

TechCrunch

Cleghorn's primary contention is that bringing TV online will be much easier than has been the music industry's experience.

TechCrunch

Hazardous Materials Greenpeace's primary contention is that the industry hasn't done enough to rid its products of hazardous materials, in particular polyvinylchloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).

Huffington Post

As the primary contention in age estimates between mtDNA and nDNA based analyses concerns whether or not the bulk of living actinopterygian diversity radiated during and after the Cretaceous, partitions whose profiles exhibit a decline from the peak of informativeness of greater than 5% prior to Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary were removed for subsequent analyses.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then last summer, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviewed more than 800 new studies, rejecting the contention that BPA causes human neurological damage, one of the Journal Sentinel's primary contentions.

Huffington Post

The primary bone of contention was the diagramed deal played between the Jacobs and Welland teams.

The New York Times - Arts

In the last 50 years, North Korea had made the withdrawal of the U.S. troops from the Korean Peninsula its primary point of contention.

The New York Times

This has been a primary source of contention in the negotiations, as some Democrats have said they refuse to accept Mr. Espada as leader.

The New York Times

The primary point of contention around Berkeley is whether Best had sustained a concussion in the game before his more serious injury.

The New York Times - Sports

The primary bone of contention regarded two proposed additions to the sailing rules by the cup's current minder, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

The New York Times - Sports

The primary bone of contention lies in the changes to the maximum figure a civil servant could receive on being made redundant.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "primary contention" to clearly identify the most important argument or point of disagreement in a complex discussion or analysis. This helps focus the reader's attention on the core issue.

Common error

Avoid using "primary contention" when a simpler term like "main point" or "argument" would suffice. Using it in overly simplistic contexts can sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary contention" functions as a noun phrase identifying the main argument or point of conflict. It is often used to introduce or summarize the central issue in a debate, discussion, or analysis, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary contention" is a useful phrase for highlighting the main argument or point of disagreement in a discussion or debate. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, science and business contexts. While the phrase is acceptable for use, it's important to recognize it carries a degree of formality. Alternatives such as "main argument" or "key issue" may be more appropriate in less formal settings. Use "primary contention" to emphasize the centrality of the disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main argument

Replaces "contention" with the more common "argument", simplifying the phrase.

central argument

Emphasizes the core or most important aspect of the argument.

key argument

Highlights the significance of the argument.

chief argument

Suggests that the argument is the most important one.

principal argument

A more formal alternative to "primary argument".

main point of contention

Emphasizes the aspect of disagreement.

core disagreement

Focuses on the fundamental area of disagreement.

central point of debate

Highlights the main focus of a debate.

fundamental disagreement

Emphasizes the depth and importance of the disagreement.

major bone of contention

An idiomatic expression indicating a significant point of dispute.

FAQs

What does "primary contention" mean?

The phrase "primary contention" refers to the main argument or point of disagreement in a discussion, debate, or analysis. It signifies the central issue around which the disagreement revolves.

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

You can use "primary contention" in a sentence like this: "The "primary contention" in the debate was whether the proposed policy would stimulate economic growth."

What are some alternatives to "primary contention"?

Alternatives to "primary contention" include "main argument", "central argument", or "key argument". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "primary contention" formal or informal?

"Primary contention" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In less formal settings, consider using "main point" or "key issue" instead.