years of contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "years of contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a prolonged period of disagreement, conflict, or dispute over a particular issue or situation. Example: "The negotiations were stalled for years of contention, leaving both parties frustrated and without resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The result was a dozen years of contention over taxes, which exploded into arguments over principle, and the loss of Britain's most valuable imperial possessions.

The New Yorker

After five years of contention, in July the Great Khural authorized the government to conclude an agreement with the Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto companies to exploit the rich gold and copper deposits at Oyuutolgoi.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After years of contention over plans to develop the top of Hamburg Mountain, the site of the Mountain Creek ski area, the state and the area's owners have come up with a arrangement intended to preserve the spot.

The New York Times

As plans move ahead for 65th Street, this is the first time the 11 constituent groups involved have arrived at a consensus after years of contention over various aspects of the redevelopment, which was announced in 1999.

The New York Times - Arts

A long clash between Klubradio, a radio station that is often critical of Mr. Orban's government, and Hungary's news media council, which hands out frequencies to radio stations and is stocked with Orban supporters, is a primary example of the conflict; the station's license was renewed last week after years of contention.

The New York Times

That doesn't sound monumental, but the decline of streetcars in favor of buses and automobiles came after years of contention between big business and local government.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Some people involved in educational issues expected 2016 to be a year of contention over how best to reshape traditional teacher job protections, such as tenure and layoffs in order of seniority.

Los Angeles Times

That has led to a steady stream of sellout crowds, and to juicy subscriber fees for the New England Sports Network, the cable-television station that broadcasts Red Sox games and belongs to the same company that owns the team.With this business model, Boston can ill afford to take a few years out of contention to "rebuild", as typical fire-sale teams in small markets tend to do.

The Economist

The Devils were known for their defense-first approach throughout their years of Cup contention, but have moved towards a more offensive style.

Wikipedia

Little wonder that New York's teams are perennial World Series candidates, while the Royals start the year out of contention.

Forbes

If, as expected, "Iron Man" comes into the awards mix, that will be partly because Paramount recently moved a more conventional prospect, a drama called "The Soloist," into next year and out of contention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "years of contention", ensure that the context clearly defines the specific issues or events that caused the prolonged disagreement or conflict. Provide specific examples to illustrate the nature of the contention.

Common error

Don't use the phrase "years of contention" without providing context or specifics about the issues involved. Simply stating that there were "years of contention" lacks clarity and impact; specify what the contention was about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "years of contention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a period characterized by disagreement or conflict, as illustrated by Ludwig examples like "After five years of contention..." or "After years of contention..."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "years of contention" is a noun phrase used to describe a period characterized by significant disagreement, dispute, or conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in neutral contexts like news articles and encyclopedic entries. While alternatives such as ""years of conflict"" or ""protracted disagreements"" exist, "years of contention" effectively conveys a sense of prolonged discord. When using this phrase, ensure to provide specific context and details about the issues at the heart of the contention to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

years of conflict

Replaces "contention" with "conflict", emphasizing active struggle or opposition.

years of dispute

Substitutes "contention" with "dispute", focusing on formal disagreement or debate.

years of discord

Substitutes "contention" with "discord", highlighting a lack of harmony or agreement.

years of strife

Replaces "contention" with "strife", emphasizing bitter and sometimes violent conflict.

years of friction

Replaces "contention" with "friction", emphasizing tension and disagreement.

long-standing disputes

Highlights that the disputes have been present for a considerable amount of time.

protracted disagreements

Uses a different structure to emphasize the length and nature of the disagreements.

a history of conflict

Focuses on the established pattern of conflict over time.

decades of arguments

Specifies a longer timeframe and replaces "contention" with the more direct term "arguments".

an era of disagreement

Changes the structure to emphasize a period marked by disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "years of contention" in a sentence?

You can use "years of contention" to describe a period marked by significant disagreement or conflict, for example: "The project was delayed due to "years of contention" between the stakeholders".

What are some alternatives to "years of contention"?

Alternatives include "years of conflict", "years of discord", or "protracted disagreements", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "years of contention" or "years of conflict"?

Both "years of contention" and "years of conflict" are correct, but "conflict" often implies a more active and intense struggle than "contention", which can simply refer to strong disagreement or debate. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "years of contention" be used in a positive context?

No, "years of contention" typically carries a negative connotation, implying prolonged disagreement or conflict. It's generally used to describe situations involving discord or dispute, not positive or harmonious events.