Contend vs Conquest: When To Use Each One In Writing

When it comes to describing a struggle for power or control, two words often come to mind: contend and conquest. But which one is the proper word to use? The answer is both, depending on the context. Contend means to compete or strive for something, while conquest means to achieve victory or gain control over something.

In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and when it is appropriate to use each one. Whether you are a writer, student, or just curious about language, understanding the nuances of these words can help you communicate more effectively and accurately.

Define Contend

The word “contend” can be used as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it means to struggle or compete with someone or something in order to achieve a desired outcome. It can also mean to assert a position or belief in a debate or argument. For example, a politician may contend that their policies will lead to a better future for the country. As a noun, “contend” refers to a struggle or competition, such as a sporting event or a legal case.

Define Conquest

“Conquest” is a noun that refers to the act of gaining control or possession of something through force or military action. It can also refer to the subjugation of a people or territory by a more powerful entity. For example, the conquest of the Americas by European powers led to the displacement and oppression of indigenous populations. In a more general sense, “conquest” can refer to the achievement of a difficult goal or the overcoming of a significant obstacle.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. Two words that are often confused are “contend” and “conquest.” While they may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Contend” In A Sentence

The word “contend” is a verb that means to struggle or compete against something or someone. It can also mean to assert or maintain a position or claim. Here are some examples of how to use “contend” in a sentence:

• She had to contend with a difficult boss at work.
• The athlete had to contend with a leg injury during the race.
• He contends that the new policy is unfair to small businesses.

As you can see from these examples, “contend” is used to describe a struggle or competition against something or someone, or to assert a position or claim.

How To Use “Conquest” In A Sentence

The word “conquest” is a noun that means the act of conquering or gaining control over something or someone. It can also refer to a territory or people that have been conquered. Here are some examples of how to use “conquest” in a sentence:

• The army celebrated their conquest of the enemy’s stronghold.
• The Spanish conquest of the Americas had a significant impact on history.
• He felt a sense of conquest after completing the difficult task.

From these examples, it is clear that “conquest” is used to describe an act of conquering or gaining control over something or someone, or to refer to a territory or people that have been conquered.

More Examples Of Contend & Conquest Used In Sentences

In order to understand the nuances of the words “contend” and “conquest,” it is helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Contend In A Sentence

• She had to contend with a difficult boss who never gave her a break.
• The team will have to contend with some tough competition if they want to make it to the finals.
• Despite her illness, she continued to contend for the championship title.
• The politician had to contend with accusations of corruption during the election.
• He had to contend with the fact that he had lost his job and was struggling to make ends meet.
• The company had to contend with a sudden drop in sales due to the pandemic.
• She had to contend with the loss of her best friend, who had passed away suddenly.
• The athlete had to contend with a broken ankle during the competition.
• They had to contend with a long wait at the airport due to a delayed flight.
• The team had to contend with a difficult schedule that included several back-to-back games.

Examples Of Using Conquest In A Sentence

• The army celebrated their conquest of the enemy’s territory.
• The explorer set out on a mission of conquest to reach the summit of the mountain.
• The empire’s conquest of neighboring lands brought them great wealth and power.
• The conqueror’s brutal conquest of the city left many civilians dead or homeless.
• The artist’s conquest of the art world was due to her unique and innovative style.
• The team’s conquest of the championship title was a long-awaited victory for the fans.
• The company’s conquest of the market was due to their superior product quality and customer service.
• The conqueror’s conquest of the new world led to the spread of disease and the displacement of indigenous peoples.
• The politician’s conquest of the election was due to his charismatic personality and promises of change.
• The scientist’s conquest of the unknown was due to her tireless research and dedication to her field.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words like contend and conquest, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of one another. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Contend Instead Of Conquest

• Mistake: “The army contended the city and claimed victory.”
• Explanation: Contend means to compete or struggle, while conquest means to defeat or take over. Using contend in this context implies that the army had to fight for the city, which may not be the case.
• Correction: “The army conquered the city and claimed victory.”

Using Conquest Instead Of Contend

• Mistake: “She contended her way to the top of the company.”
• Explanation: Conquest implies a physical takeover, while contend means to compete or argue. Using conquest in this context implies that she physically overtook the company, which is not likely.
• Correction: “She contended her way to the top of the company.”

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the definitions of these words and use them appropriately. If you’re unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you’re using the correct word for your intended meaning.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “contend” and “conquest,” context plays a significant role. Both words have similar meanings, but the context in which they are used can determine which word is more appropriate.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are a few examples of different contexts and how the choice between “contend” and “conquest” might change:

Context	Appropriate Word Choice
Competition	“Contend”
Warfare	“Conquest”
Debate	“Contend”
Business	“Contend”

When it comes to competition, “contend” is the more appropriate word choice. For example, in a debate, the participants might “contend” with each other to prove their point. In business, companies may “contend” with each other for market share.

On the other hand, “conquest” is a better choice in the context of warfare. In this context, the word “conquest” implies the act of taking over an enemy’s territory or defeating them in battle.

Overall, it’s important to consider the context in which these words are used to determine which is the most appropriate choice. Understanding the nuances of these words can help you communicate more effectively and convey your intended meaning with greater accuracy.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using contend and conquest are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions where they may not apply. It is important to understand these exceptions in order to use these words correctly in context. Here are some examples:

Contend

• When used in the sense of arguing or debating, the word contend can be used with a preposition other than with. For example, “He contended against his opponent’s arguments.”
• In certain idiomatic expressions, the word contend can be used without a preposition. For example, “He contended for the championship title.”
• When used in the sense of struggling or fighting, the word contend can be used with the preposition with or against. For example, “He contended with his illness for many years.”

Conquest

• When used in the sense of acquiring something through force or violence, the word conquest can be used with the preposition of or over. For example, “The country was under the conquest of the invading army.”
• When used in the sense of overcoming a challenge or obstacle, the word conquest can be used with the preposition of or over. For example, “She finally achieved her goal after many years of conquest over her fears.”
• In certain contexts, the word conquest can be used as a metaphor for achieving success or gaining mastery over a skill or subject. For example, “He conquered the world of finance through his hard work and determination.”

By understanding these exceptions, you can use the words contend and conquest more effectively in your writing and communication.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between contend and conquest, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

1. The two teams will __________ in the championship game next week.	__________
2. The army was able to __________ the enemy and claim victory.	__________
3. The politician will __________ for re-election next year.	__________
4. The company will __________ with a new product launch next month.	__________

Answer key:

1. contend

2. conquer

3. contend

4. contend

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

1. The company will contend / conquer with a new product launch next month.
2. The army was able to contend / conquer the enemy and claim victory.
3. The two teams will contend / conquer in the championship game next week.
4. The politician will contend / conquer for re-election next year.

Answer key:

1. contend
2. conquer
3. contend
4. contend

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of contend and conquest in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and meaning of each word to choose the correct one. With enough practice, you’ll be able to use these words with confidence and precision.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between contend vs conquest, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts.

Contend refers to a struggle or competition, while conquest implies a victorious outcome and the act of taking control. It is important to understand the nuances of these words to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Key Takeaways:

• Contend means to struggle or compete, while conquest means to take control
• Contend is often used in situations where there is no clear winner, while conquest implies a clear victory
• Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication

As writers, it is important to have a strong understanding of grammar and language use. By continuing to learn and refine our skills, we can communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes.

Whether you are a professional writer or simply someone who wants to improve their communication skills, there are many resources available to help you on your journey. From online courses to writing groups, there are many ways to continue learning and growing as a writer.

Remember, the words we use have the power to shape our message and influence our audience. By choosing our words carefully and thoughtfully, we can create more impactful and effective communication.