some contend that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some contend that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a viewpoint or argument that is held by a group of people regarding a particular issue or topic. Example: "Some contend that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But some contend that doesn't include everyone in the community.

The New York Times

Some contend that transparency has natural limits.

The Economist

Some contend that it already has.

The New York Times

Some contend that in a volatile labor market, education is essentially a government or employee responsibility.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some contend that there has simply been too much else happening.

Independent

Some contend that it cures autoimmune diseases, others that it reverses diabetes.

The New Yorker

Finally, some contend that increased partisanship has made the Senate less hospitable.

The New York Times

On poverty, by contrast, some contend that the Indian experience confirms the optimistic prediction.

The New York Times

He has long suffered from Lupus, and some contend that he now has pancreatic cancer.

The New York Times

Some contend that the basic structure of Russian society has changed little in that time.

The New York Times

Some contend that, after decades of Communist rule, Mao wenti, "Maospeak," has seriously contaminated Chinese writing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "some contend that" with specific evidence or examples to support the claim being introduced. This strengthens the argument and makes it more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "some contend that" to represent a minority opinion as a widely held belief. Ensure that there is a reasonable basis for suggesting that multiple individuals hold this view. Otherwise, it could be seen as a straw man fallacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some contend that" functions as an introductory device to present a viewpoint or argument that is not universally accepted. It acknowledges that the opinion is held by a subset of people, adding nuance to the statement. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

19%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some contend that" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to introduce viewpoints that aren't universally accepted. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its widespread use across news, academic, and scientific domains underscores its relevance in communicating nuanced perspectives. While "some argue that", "some claim that", and other alternatives can be used, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and ensure there's a genuine basis for suggesting that multiple individuals share this view. Using "some contend that" effectively enhances your writing by acknowledging different perspectives and promoting critical engagement with the content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some argue that

Replaces "contend" with a more direct and common term, slightly reducing formality.

some maintain that

Emphasizes the persistence or consistency of the viewpoint.

some assert that

Suggests a more forceful or confident declaration of the viewpoint.

some claim that

Implies a degree of uncertainty or potential doubt surrounding the viewpoint.

some believe that

Shifts the focus to personal belief rather than a reasoned argument.

it is argued by some that

Presents the argument in a more formal and detached manner.

certain individuals contend that

Adds specificity by highlighting that the viewpoint is shared by specific individuals.

a number of people contend that

Indicates a more significant number of people hold the viewpoint.

it is the contention of some that

Transforms the phrase into a more formal and academic construction.

certain quarters contend that

Identifies the source of the contention as coming from specific, often influential, groups.

FAQs

How can I use "some contend that" in a sentence?

Use "some contend that" to introduce a viewpoint that is not universally accepted. For example, "Some contend that the new policy will harm small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "some contend that"?

You can use alternatives like "some argue that", "some believe that", or "some claim that" depending on the context.

Is "some contend that" formal or informal?

"Some contend that" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for academic writing, news articles, and professional communication.

What's the difference between "some contend that" and "some argue that"?

While similar, "contend" implies a more deliberate and potentially debated viewpoint, whereas "argue" can suggest a stronger, more active defense of a position. "Some argue that" might be used in more heated discussions.