strong contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong contention" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a confident opinion or argument. For example, "The scientists presented a strong contention that climate change is the result of human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

A confident Labour party certainly ought to be in strong contention.

The Guardian - Opinion

The club was seen as a solid choice as they were anticipated to be in strong contention for promotion.

The New York Times

It is his strong contention that the treatment of cancer has been inhibited by the law of medical negligence.

The Guardian

A combination of sintering and surface treatment can put PM in strong contention as the design engineer's choice for gear manufacturing….

Metal Powder Report

The commission sent signals that the network was in strong contention, people familiar with the process said, but that changed in the last month.

The New York Times

He said he was happy that the Giants had been in strong contention in recent years — if they'd been in last place it would have been devastating.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Those are strong contentions, and there's little evidence to support them.

HuffPost

In previous world championships, that performance might have been enough to keep them in strong medal contention.

The New York Times - Sports

Miss Balukas showed signs of strong title contention throughout her tournament play as she defeated six opponents with precision shooting and near flawless placement strategy.

The New York Times

The Bulls ended the round four points ahead of the Queensland Reds, who beat the Lions, 41-26, and the ACT Brumbies, who defeated the Cheetahs, 61-15, remain in strong playoff contention, in fifth and sixth places with 26 points each.

The New York Times - Sports

A repeat of the brilliant form she showed when taking last year's World Series final silver medal in London would put Reid in strong medal contention although her sport is strong at Commonwealths level.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong contention" when you want to emphasize the firmness and conviction behind an argument or claim. It signals that the idea is not just an opinion, but a well-supported and forcefully presented viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid using "strong contention" in very casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler phrase like "firm belief" or "strong feeling" would be more appropriate. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong contention" functions as a noun phrase, where 'strong' modifies the noun 'contention'. It indicates a belief or argument held with conviction and supported by evidence. As per Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong contention" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a firmly held belief or argument supported by evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is particularly common in News & Media, Science, and academic contexts, signaling a viewpoint presented with confidence and authority. While alternatives like "forceful argument" or "firm assertion" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance, "strong contention" emphasizes the well-supported nature of the claim. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings where simpler language may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forceful argument

Replaces "contention" with a more direct term for an argument, emphasizing its strength.

firm assertion

Emphasizes the confident and resolute nature of the claim being made.

vehement claim

Highlights the passionate and intense nature of the contention.

robust argument

Focuses on the well-supported and resilient quality of the argument.

powerful argument

Emphasizes the significant impact and persuasiveness of the argument.

convincing argument

Highlights the capacity of the argument to persuade or convince others.

cogent argument

Focuses on the clear, logical, and persuasive qualities of the argument.

staunch position

Replaces "contention" with position emphasizing a firm and unwavering stance.

unwavering belief

Highlights the resolute nature of the belief being contended.

resolute opinion

Emphasizes the firm and determined quality of the opinion.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "strong contention" in a sentence?

Use "strong contention" to introduce a point that you believe is well-supported and significant, for instance, "It is my "strong contention" that increased funding for education is essential for societal progress."

What are some alternatives to "strong contention"?

You can use alternatives like "forceful argument", "firm assertion", or "vehement claim" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "strong contention" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "strong contention" is well-suited for academic writing as it clearly signals a well-supported and significant argument. Its use adds weight to the presented viewpoint.

What's the difference between "strong contention" and "opinion"?

While "opinion" implies a personal belief, ""strong contention"" suggests a firmly held belief supported by evidence or reasoning. It conveys a more substantiated and defensible viewpoint than a mere opinion.