Contend vs Contended: When To Use Each One In Writing?

In terms of choosing the right word for a particular context, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the nuances between similar terms. In the case of “contend” and “contended,” it’s important to know when to use each one correctly. While both words share a common root, they have distinct meanings and usage. In a nutshell, “contend” is the proper word to use when referring to an ongoing struggle or competition, while “contended” is used to describe a past action or state of satisfaction. Let’s delve deeper into the definitions of these words and explore their usage in different scenarios.

Before we dive into the details, let’s clarify the definitions of “contend” and “contended” briefly:

• Contend: to engage in a struggle, competition, or argument
• Contended: past tense of “contend,” indicating a state of satisfaction or having successfully engaged in a struggle

With these definitions in mind, let’s explore the nuances of “contend” and “contended” in various contexts.

In order to fully understand the distinction between “contend” and “contended,” it is crucial to delve into their respective definitions. Both words belong to the realm of verbs, but they possess distinct nuances that set them apart.

Define Contend

When we speak of “contend,” we are referring to an action or effort made by an individual or group to assert a position, compete, or engage in a struggle. This verb encapsulates the idea of actively striving to prove oneself, often in the face of opposition or competition.

Contending can manifest in various forms, such as engaging in a debate, participating in a competition, or even battling for a cause. It implies a sense of determination, resolve, and a willingness to put forth one’s best effort to achieve a desired outcome.

For example:

• She will contend for the title of the best athlete in the upcoming tournament.
• The political candidates will contend in a fierce debate to win over undecided voters.
• The team must contend with numerous obstacles if they want to secure victory.

Define Contended

On the other hand, when we use the term “contended,” we are referring to a state of having already engaged in a struggle, competition, or assertion. It denotes a past action or situation where an individual or group has successfully faced challenges and emerged with a sense of satisfaction, fulfillment, or resolution.

Contended implies a sense of accomplishment, as if the struggle has been overcome or the goal has been achieved. It can also convey a sense of peace or contentment that arises from having successfully dealt with a situation or conflict.

For example:

• After months of rigorous training, she contended for the championship and emerged victorious.
• Having contended with numerous setbacks, the team finally reached the pinnacle of success.
• He contended with his inner demons and found a sense of peace.

It is important to note that while “contend” focuses on the act of striving or competing, “contended” emphasizes the outcome or result of that effort.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

In order to effectively communicate and convey your thoughts, it is crucial to understand the proper usage of words. This section will guide you on how to use the words “contend” and “contended” in a sentence, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

How To Use “Contend” In A Sentence

The word “contend” is a verb that signifies a struggle, competition, or assertion of a belief or opinion. When using “contend” in a sentence, it is important to consider its context and meaning. Here are some examples of how to properly use “contend” in different scenarios:

1. Contend as a verb for struggle: In the midst of a heated debate, the two candidates contended fiercely for the attention of the audience.
2. Contend as a verb for competition: The athletes trained rigorously to contend for the gold medal in the upcoming championship.
3. Contend as a verb for assertion: The author’s main argument in the book contends that technology has both positive and negative impacts on society.

By using “contend” appropriately in these contexts, you can effectively convey the intended meaning and engage your readers.

How To Use “Contended” In A Sentence

The word “contended” is the past tense form of the verb “contend” and is used to describe a previous struggle, competition, or assertion. Here are some examples of how to properly use “contended” in a sentence:

1. Contended as a past tense verb for struggle: Despite facing numerous obstacles, she contended with determination and emerged victorious.
2. Contended as a past tense verb for competition: The team contended in the championship last year and secured a commendable second place.
3. Contended as a past tense verb for assertion: The renowned scientist contended in his research paper that the current climate change is primarily caused by human activities.

By utilizing “contended” correctly in these examples, you can accurately describe past events or statements, adding depth and accuracy to your writing.

More Examples Of Contend & Contended Used In Sentences

Contend and contended are two words that often confuse people due to their similar spellings and meanings. In this section, we will explore more examples of how these words are used in sentences to provide a clearer understanding of their usage.

Examples Of Using Contend In A Sentence:

• She will contend for the title of the best athlete in the upcoming competition.
• The lawyer contended that his client was innocent and presented compelling evidence to support his claim.
• Many experts contend that climate change is the biggest threat to our planet.
• The politician contended that the new policy would lead to economic growth and job creation.
• Despite facing numerous obstacles, the team will contend for the championship this season.
• Some scientists contend that the universe is infinite and ever-expanding.
• The author contends that love and kindness are the keys to a fulfilling life.
• He contended with his inner demons to overcome his addiction and rebuild his life.
• Parents often contend with the challenges of raising a teenager in today’s fast-paced world.
• The company must contend with fierce competition in the global market.

Examples Of Using Contended In A Sentence:

• She contended that her opinion was valid and deserved to be heard.
• The contended athlete celebrated his victory with a triumphant smile.
• Despite the criticism, the artist contended that his work was a masterpiece.
• They contended against each other in a heated debate over the proposed legislation.
• He contended with feelings of loneliness after moving to a new city.
• The contended child peacefully played with his toys, oblivious to the chaos around him.
• She contended with her fear of heights to conquer the tallest mountain in the region.
• The contended couple enjoyed a quiet evening at home, savoring each other’s company.
• Despite the setbacks, the contended entrepreneur remained determined to achieve success.
• They contended that their version of events was the most accurate and supported it with evidence.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “contend” and “contended,” it’s important to understand the subtle differences between them. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using these two words interchangeably, leading to confusion and miscommunication. To help you avoid these common errors, let’s delve into the reasons why using “contend” and “contended” incorrectly can lead to inaccuracies in your writing:

1. Misunderstanding The Definitions

The first mistake people often make is not fully grasping the distinct meanings of “contend” and “contended.” While they may sound similar, their definitions differ significantly:

Word	Definition
Contend	To assert or argue a point, often in a debate or disagreement
Contended	To have engaged in a struggle or competition

As you can see, “contend” refers to asserting or arguing a point, while “contended” relates to engaging in a struggle or competition. Using them interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of your intended message.

2. Incorrect Verb Tense

Another common mistake is using the incorrect verb tense when using “contend” and “contended.” These words have distinct forms based on tense, and failing to use the appropriate form can result in grammatical errors. Here’s a breakdown of the correct verb tenses:

• Contend: Present tense
• Contended: Past tense

For example, saying “I contended that he is wrong” would be incorrect because “contended” is the past tense form. Instead, it should be written as “I contend that he is wrong” to maintain grammatical accuracy.

3. Neglecting Contextual Usage

One of the most crucial aspects of using “contend” and “contended” correctly is considering the appropriate context. While they may be similar in some instances, they are not always interchangeable. Here are a few scenarios where using them interchangeably would be incorrect:

• Contend: When engaging in a debate or argument
• Contended: When referring to a past struggle or competition

For instance, saying “She contended in the race last year” would be incorrect because “contend” should be used in the present tense when discussing a current debate or argument. Instead, it should be written as “She contended in the race last year” to accurately convey the past struggle or competition.

By understanding these common mistakes and the reasons behind them, you can ensure that you use “contend” and “contended” correctly in your writing, enhancing clarity and precision.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “contend” and “contended,” it’s important to understand that their usage can vary depending on the context in which they are employed. Both words share a common root, but their meanings and implications diverge based on the specific situation in which they are used.

Let’s explore a few different contexts and examine how the choice between “contend” and “contended” might change:

1. Argumentative Or Debating Context

In a context where individuals are engaged in an argument or debate, the word “contend” is often the preferred choice. It signifies an active participation in a dispute or a willingness to assert one’s position forcefully. For instance:

• During the heated discussion, both candidates contended fiercely for their policy proposals.
• The scholars contended over the interpretation of the historical event, presenting compelling evidence to support their claims.

In such instances, “contend” conveys a sense of active engagement and a desire to assert one’s viewpoint, making it suitable for argumentative or debating contexts.

2. Satisfaction Or Accomplishment Context

On the other hand, when expressing a sense of satisfaction or accomplishment, the word “contended” is more appropriate. It conveys a state of being content or satisfied with a particular outcome or situation. Consider the following examples:

• After months of hard work, she finally contended with her fears and delivered a remarkable presentation.
• The team contended with numerous challenges but ultimately emerged victorious.

In these instances, “contended” captures the notion of overcoming obstacles or achieving a desired outcome, resulting in a feeling of contentment or satisfaction.

3. Legal Or Disputes Context

In legal or disputes contexts, both “contend” and “contended” can be used, but their implications differ. “Contend” is often employed to describe the act of asserting a claim or position in a legal dispute:

• The lawyer contended that her client was innocent, presenting compelling evidence to support her argument.
• Both parties contended for ownership of the property, leading to a lengthy court battle.

On the other hand, “contended” can be used to describe the resolution or outcome of a legal dispute:

• After months of litigation, the case was finally settled, and the parties contended with the agreed-upon terms.
• The contended verdict brought closure to the long-standing legal dispute.

In this context, “contend” emphasizes the act of asserting a claim, while “contended” highlights the resolution or outcome of the dispute.

As we can see, the choice between “contend” and “contended” depends on the specific context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of these words allows us to communicate more effectively and convey the intended meaning accurately.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of “contend” and “contended” generally follows a set of rules, there are a few exceptions where these rules might not apply. In such cases, it is important to understand the nuances to ensure accurate usage. Let’s explore a few key exceptions below:

1. Historical Or Literary Context

In certain historical or literary contexts, the rules for using “contend” and “contended” may vary. This is particularly true when referring to ancient texts or classical literature.

Example:

• In Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad,” the heroes contended against each other for glory on the battlefield.
• The scholars continue to contend over the interpretation of this ancient manuscript.

2. Legal Terminology

Legal jargon often deviates from standard language usage, and “contend” and “contended” are no exception in this domain. When discussing legal matters, it is essential to be aware of the specific conventions employed.

Example:

• The defense lawyer contended that the evidence presented was inadmissible.
• The plaintiff contended that the contract had been breached.

3. Philosophical Debates

In philosophical debates, the usage of “contend” and “contended” can take on a unique meaning, differing from their conventional usage. These terms often carry a deeper connotation, reflecting the nature of intellectual arguments.

Example:

• The philosopher contended that happiness is the ultimate goal of human existence.
• Many scholars have contended over the concept of free will for centuries.

It is important to note that these exceptions should be approached with caution, as they may not align with everyday usage. Understanding the specific contexts in which these exceptions arise is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distinction between “contend” and “contended” lies in their usage and grammatical function. “Contend” is primarily a verb, commonly used to express a struggle, competition, or argument. It conveys the idea of actively engaging in a dispute or vying for something. On the other hand, “contended” is the past tense and past participle form of “contend,” often used to indicate that a person or entity has successfully dealt with a challenge or achieved a desired outcome.

Throughout this article, we have explored the nuances of these two words, understanding their subtle differences and how they can be employed in various contexts. We have seen that “contend” can be used in a wide range of situations, from legal disputes to sports competitions, while “contended” is more commonly used to describe a state of satisfaction or accomplishment.

By delving into the etymology and definitions of these terms, we have gained a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of the English language. It is crucial to pay attention to the specific connotations and implications that words carry, as they can greatly impact the clarity and effectiveness of our communication.

So, whether you find yourself engaged in a heated debate or reflecting on a personal triumph, remember to choose your words wisely. Understanding the subtle differences between “contend” and “contended” will allow you to express your thoughts with precision, conveying your intended meaning and leaving no room for ambiguity.