the author contends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the author contends" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that the author is asserting or arguing a particular point or opinion in their work. Example: "In her latest book, the author contends that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The author contends that each person has a concept.

The New Yorker

Mr. McDowall, the author, contends that will not happen until Iraq has an independent middle class.

The New York Times

An account of the mysterious military installation, which the author contends is the home of secret espionage programs.

The New York Times

These networks do not operate at random, the author contends; there are laws that govern their behavior.

The New York Times

This paper takes a contrary view; technical debt is discussed mostly in the context of bad practices; the author contends that the focus should be on system principles that preclude the introduction, either anticipated or unanticipated, of negative lifecycle impacts.

Procedia Computer Science

The character and significance of the FBI derive from this original mission, the author contends, and he traces the evolution of the mission into the twenty-first century.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

What does the author contend is a "more worrisome" issue for the president?

The New York Times

Not really, the authors contend.

The New York Times - Books

Not at all, the authors contend.

The New York Times

But that does not matter, the authors contend.

The New York Times

The authors contend that the Clinton foes have not, for the most part, been separate actors.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the author contends" when you want to clearly attribute a specific argument or viewpoint to the author of a text, especially in academic or formal writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "the author contends" can make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal in less academic contexts. Consider using more varied phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the author contends" functions as a reporting verb phrase. It introduces a statement, argument, or belief that is attributed to the author of a text. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, highlighting its role in attributing viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

36%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the author contends" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for attributing arguments or viewpoints to an author, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, remember to use this phrase to clearly and accurately attribute claims, but avoid overuse in informal settings to keep your writing engaging. Ludwig's examples provide a good overview of how the phrase is used in context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the author asserts

Replaces "contends" with "asserts", implying a strong declaration of belief.

the author argues

Substitutes "contends" with "argues", focusing on the presentation of reasons or evidence.

the author claims

Replaces "contends" with "claims", suggesting an assertion that may or may not be proven.

the author maintains

Substitutes "contends" with "maintains", emphasizing consistency in the author's view.

the author posits

Replaces "contends" with "posits", indicating the author puts forward an idea or theory.

the author suggests

Substitutes "contends" with "suggests", softening the assertion to a recommendation.

the author proposes

Replaces "contends" with "proposes", indicating the author puts forward a plan or suggestion.

the author believes

Replaces "contends" with "believes", focusing on the author's personal conviction.

according to the author

Shifts the focus to attributing the view to the author, instead of highlighting the act of contending.

in the author's view

Presents the statement as the author's perspective or opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "the author contends" in a sentence?

You can use "the author contends" to introduce an argument or a point of view that the author is making in their work. For example, "In this article, "the author contends" that stricter environmental regulations are necessary."

What are some alternatives to "the author contends"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the author argues", "the author claims", or "according to the author", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "the author contends" or "the authors contend"?

Use "the author contends" when referring to a single author and "the authors contend" when referring to multiple authors. The choice depends on whether you are discussing a work by one person or a collaboration.

What is the difference between "the author contends" and "the author suggests"?

"The author contends" implies a stronger assertion or argument, while "the author suggests" indicates a more tentative or nuanced proposition. The choice depends on the strength of the author's statement in the text.