they contend that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they contend that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone asserts or argues a particular point or opinion. Example: "In their research, they contend that climate change is primarily driven by human activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They contend that disease necessarily involves biological malfunction.

SEP

They contend that the federal question presented is not substantial.

Cornell University

They contend that the move is damaging their sales.

The New York Times - Books

They contend that unrealistic optimism is a pervasive human trait.

The New York Times

They contend that the case ought to be scrapped entirely.

The Guardian

They contend that the government did not provide adequate security.

The New York Times

They contend that the government has enabled warlords.

The New York Times

But they contend that action can lead to flawed policy.

The New York Times

They contend that they mistook his wallet for a gun.

The New York Times

They contend that comparatively meager efforts are being made.

The New York Times

They contend that the law violates their right to employment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider varying your sentence structure to avoid overuse of "they contend that". Employ synonyms like "they argue", "they assert", or rephrase to highlight the content of their argument directly.

Common error

Avoid using "they contend that" when the source's position is uncertain or nuanced. Ensure you accurately represent the source's view, rather than oversimplifying or misrepresenting their argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they contend that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement or argument put forth by a group. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they contend that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce an argument or assertion made by a group. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples across diverse sources, confirms its proper usage in formal, neutral, and professional contexts. While highly versatile, it's important to accurately represent the source's views and avoid overuse by considering synonyms such as "they argue that" or "they assert that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they assert that

Replaces "contend" with "assert", conveying a similar sense of stating something confidently.

they argue that

Substitutes "contend" with "argue", indicating a presentation of reasons for a particular position.

they maintain that

Uses "maintain" instead of "contend", suggesting a steadfast holding of a belief or position.

they claim that

Replaces "contend" with "claim", implying an assertion that may or may not be supported by evidence.

they suggest that

Uses "suggest" instead of "contend", softening the assertion and indicating a proposal or possibility.

their position is that

Rephrases the sentence structure to emphasize their stance or viewpoint on a matter.

they believe that

Substitutes "contend" with "believe", indicating a personal conviction or opinion.

they hold that

Uses "hold" instead of "contend", conveying a firm adherence to a particular belief or principle.

they insist that

Replaces "contend" with "insist", stressing a firm and unwavering declaration.

according to them

Provides an attributed perspective, shifting focus to the source of the assertion.

FAQs

What does "they contend that" mean?

The phrase "they contend that" indicates that a group of people are asserting or arguing a particular point of view. It's a way of introducing their argument or claim.

What are some alternatives to "they contend that"?

You can use alternatives like "they argue that", "they assert that", or "they maintain that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How formal is the phrase "they contend that"?

"They contend that" is suitable for formal and neutral writing. It is often used in academic papers, news articles, and professional reports.

Is it correct to use "they contend that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.