to contend with

USAGE SUMMARY

"to contend with" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to struggle or deal with something or someone. It can also mean to compete against something or someone. Example: The company had to contend with a decrease in sales due to the economic downturn. In this sentence, "to contend with" is used to show that the company is struggling with a decrease in sales. Another example: The runner had to contend with strong winds and rain during the marathon. Here, "to contend with" is used to indicate that the runner had to deal with difficult weather conditions while running the marathon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There were greater things to contend with.

The New York Times - Arts

"You have to contend with it.

The New York Times

Then, there were fiefdoms to contend with.

The New Yorker

Ferguson had other problems to contend with.

The New York Times - Sports

He's someone to contend with.

The New York Times - Sports

Now he has Anderson to contend with.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, we had Vika to contend with.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are other issues to contend with.

The Guardian

That's what you have to contend with.

The New York Times - Sports

I had that to contend with.

The Guardian - Sport

"You have lives to contend with.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to contend with", ensure the context clearly indicates the challenge or difficulty being faced. For instance, "The company had "to contend with" increased competition" provides clear context.

Common error

Avoid using "to contend with" in highly informal settings; opt for more casual alternatives like "deal with" or "handle" to maintain an appropriate tone. For example, instead of saying "I had "to contend with" a flat tire", say "I had to deal with a flat tire."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to contend with" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates the act of dealing with a challenge, difficulty, or opposing force. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to contend with" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of facing and managing challenges, difficulties, or opposition. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse contexts—ranging from news and media to scientific literature—make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. The phrase functions as an infinitive, highlighting the need to overcome obstacles. While generally neutral in register, its formality can shift depending on the surrounding language. When selecting alternatives, consider options like "to deal with", "to cope with", or "to grapple with" depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to deal with

A more general term for handling or managing a situation or problem.

to cope with

Emphasizes the ability to manage or overcome difficulties.

to grapple with

Focuses more on the struggle involved in dealing with a difficult situation.

to struggle with

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in handling something.

to face

Implies directly confronting a challenge or difficulty.

to confront

Suggests a more direct and potentially combative approach to dealing with something.

to tackle

Suggests a proactive and energetic approach to dealing with a problem.

to address

Indicates a more formal and considered approach to handling a problem.

to combat

Implies actively fighting against something.

to manage

Focuses on the ability to control or handle a situation effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "to contend with" in a sentence?

The phrase "to contend with" is used to describe facing or dealing with a challenge, difficulty, or opponent. For example, "The team had "to contend with" several injuries before the final game."

What are some alternatives to "to contend with"?

You can use alternatives such as "to deal with", "to cope with", or "to grapple with", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "to contend with" or "to deal with"?

"To contend with" often implies a more significant struggle or opposition than "to deal with". The choice depends on the intensity of the situation you're describing.

What is the difference between "to contend with" and "to struggle with"?

"To struggle with" emphasizes the effort and difficulty experienced, while "to contend with" focuses on the act of facing and managing the challenge. For example, you might "to struggle with" a concept, but you "to contend with" external obstacles.