they are contending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are contending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where individuals or groups are competing or arguing over something. Example: "In the debate, they are contending that their approach is more effective than the alternative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But they are contending that Sterling has faced similar claims in his real estate business.

The New York Times

In Britain, they are contending with the online operations of other big booksellers, such as WH Smith, Waterstone's and Blackwell's.

The Economist

Now, among other challenges, they are contending with rising labor costs for nurses, pharmacists and other workers in short supply.

The New York Times

They are filled with the confidence of miraculous faith, though they realize they are contending with cultural impediments.

The New York Times - Magazine

More than 30 of the 100 firms anointed by the Boston Consulting Group in January because they are "contending for global leadership" are Chinese.

The Economist

They are contending that the new Forest Code is needed to support Brazil's economy, which draws strength from exports of agricultural products like beef, soybeans, sugar and poultry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"They're contending, and they have five young guys in their rotation," Cashman said.

The New York Times

Sometimes they're in love – at others they're contending with what the media thinks women should be.

The Guardian - Books

As one political analyst put it, wickedly, Livni and Mofaz look like they're contending for "the post of captain of the Costa Concordia".

The New York Times

(If you look at the great unbeautiful heroines of literature, whatever they were contending with, they insisted on the right to love themselves).

The New York Times - Books

They're on a particularly tight schedule, even by TV standards, and they're contending with all the icy-drizzle joys of shooting in London in February.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are contending" when you want to convey active competition or a struggle with opposing forces or ideas. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "they" are competing for or struggling against.

Common error

Avoid using "they are contending" when simply stating a difference of opinion without an active struggle. For instance, instead of "they are contending that the sky is green," use "they believe the sky is green" if there is no actual dispute or challenge involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are contending" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating an ongoing action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that a group is currently involved in a competition, argument, or struggle. Examples show it used to describe teams competing in sports or parties arguing over legal matters.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are contending" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an ongoing competition, struggle, or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, sports, and science. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, with neutral formality. For alternatives, consider using "they are arguing" or "they are competing" to convey similar meanings. Ensure the context is appropriate to show a clear active struggle or competition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are arguing

Focuses on a verbal disagreement or debate.

they are competing

Emphasizes a competitive situation with a goal.

they are grappling

Highlights the difficulty and struggle involved.

they are dealing

Focuses on managing or handling a situation.

they are facing

Stresses the confrontation of challenges.

they are fighting

Suggests a more intense struggle or conflict.

they are claiming

Emphasizes the assertion of a position or fact.

they are maintaining

Highlights the steadfast assertion of a point of view.

they are asserting

Focuses on a confident and forceful statement.

they are confronting

Emphasizes a direct encounter with a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "they are contending" in a sentence?

You can use "they are contending" to describe a situation where a group is actively competing or arguing. For example, "In the negotiation, they are contending for the best possible deal."

What can I say instead of "they are contending"?

Alternatives include "they are arguing", "they are competing", or "they are grappling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they are contend" instead of "they are contending"?

No, "they are contend" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they are contending", which uses the present continuous tense to indicate an ongoing action.

What's the difference between "they are contending" and "they contend"?

"They are contending" suggests an ongoing process or current situation, while "they contend" implies a general or repeated assertion. For example, "They are contending with rising costs" indicates a current struggle, while "They contend that the policy is unfair" expresses a general opinion.