Contend vs Contentious: Which One Is The Correct One?

Are you often confused between the usage of the words “contend” and “contentious”? Well, you are not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and implications. In this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and help you understand the proper usage of each.

We should clarify the meaning of each word. “Contend” means to compete, struggle, or fight for something. It can also mean to assert or maintain a position or claim. On the other hand, “contentious” means causing or likely to cause an argument or controversy. It can also mean involving heated argument or disagreement.

So, which of the two is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context and the intended meaning. If you want to express competition or struggle, then “contend” is the appropriate word. If you want to express disagreement or controversy, then “contentious” is the right word to use.

In this article, we will explore the differences between “contend” and “contentious” in various contexts and provide examples to illustrate their proper usage. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of when to use each word and how to avoid common mistakes.

Define Contend

The word “contend” is a verb that means to compete or struggle in a determined way. It can also mean to assert or maintain a position or claim, often in a debate or argument. In other words, when you contend, you are actively fighting for something, whether it’s a physical or intellectual battle.

For example, in sports, athletes contend for victory by putting forth their best effort and competing against their opponents. In politics, candidates may contend for a particular position by presenting their ideas and debating with their opponents. In everyday life, you may contend with a difficult situation by persevering and overcoming obstacles.

Define Contentious

The word “contentious” is an adjective that describes something that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy. It can also refer to a person who is argumentative or quarrelsome. In other words, when something is contentious, it is likely to provoke a strong reaction or opposition from others.

For example, a contentious issue in politics might be a controversial policy or decision that divides people and sparks heated debates. A contentious person might be someone who is always looking for an argument or who enjoys stirring up conflict. In general, anything that is contentious is likely to be the subject of intense disagreement and debate.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to express your thoughts is essential in effective communication. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of the words “contend” and “contentious” in a sentence.

How To Use “Contend” In A Sentence

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

• She will contend that the project is not feasible without additional funding.
• The two teams will contend for the championship title next week.
• He contends that the new law will do more harm than good.

As you can see from the examples, “contend” is often used in the context of a disagreement or competition. It is important to use this word carefully to avoid coming across as confrontational or argumentative.

How To Use “Contentious” In A Sentence

The word “contentious” is an adjective that means causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial. It can also mean involving heated argument. Here are some examples of how to use “contentious” in a sentence:

• The issue of gun control is highly contentious in the United States.
• There was a contentious debate over the proposed changes to the company’s policy.
• Her contentious attitude made it difficult to work with her.

As you can see from the examples, “contentious” is often used to describe a situation or person that is likely to cause disagreement or conflict. It is important to use this word carefully to avoid offending or alienating others.

More Examples Of Contend & Contentious Used In Sentences

When it comes to using words correctly, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between them. In this section, we’ll provide more examples of how to use “contend” and “contentious” in sentences to help you better understand their meanings and usage.

Examples Of Using Contend In A Sentence

• She will contend in the championship race next month.
• The two candidates will contend for the position in the upcoming election.
• He had to contend with a difficult boss at work.
• The team had to contend with injuries throughout the season.
• She will have to contend with a lot of traffic on her commute to work.
• The company will have to contend with new regulations in the industry.
• He will contend with his fear of heights on the upcoming hiking trip.
• The athlete had to contend with a strong headwind during the race.
• They will have to contend with a limited budget for the project.
• The team will contend for the championship title this year.

Examples Of Using Contentious In A Sentence

• The issue of gun control is highly contentious in the United States.
• There was a contentious debate among the board members about the new policy.
• Her remarks about the company’s performance were contentious.
• The decision to close the factory was a contentious one.
• The contentious relationship between the two countries has been ongoing for years.
• There was a contentious dispute over the ownership of the land.
• The contentious issue of immigration reform has divided the country.
• Her comments on social media sparked a contentious debate.
• The contentious nature of the negotiations made it difficult to reach an agreement.
• The contentious lawsuit has been ongoing for several years.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words like contend and contentious, there are common mistakes that people often make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and misunderstandings, so it’s important to understand the difference between the two words and how to use them correctly.

Using Contend And Contentious Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using contend and contentious interchangeably. While the two words may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and should not be used in the same way.

Contend is a verb that means to argue or compete. It is often used in a positive sense, such as “She is contending for the championship title.” Contentious, on the other hand, is an adjective that means causing or likely to cause an argument or controversy. It is often used in a negative sense, such as “Their contentious debate led to a heated argument.”

Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication. For example, saying “The meeting was very contend” instead of “The meeting was very contentious” could suggest that the meeting was competitive rather than argumentative.

Tips For Avoiding Mistakes

To avoid making mistakes when using contend and contentious, here are a few tips:

• Always double-check the definition of the word you are using to ensure it is the correct one.
• Consider the context of the sentence and whether the word you are using makes sense in that context.
• If you are unsure about the meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary or thesaurus.

By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and use words like contend and contentious correctly and effectively in your writing and communication.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “contend” and “contentious”, context is key. Both words have similar meanings, but the subtle differences between them can greatly impact the overall tone and message of a sentence or statement.

Contend

The word “contend” is often used to express a sense of competition or struggle, but it can also be used in a more neutral or positive context. For example:

• “The athlete must contend with a difficult opponent in the upcoming match.”
• “I contend that our company’s new product will revolutionize the industry.”
• “Despite the challenges, the team is ready to contend for the championship.”

In each of these examples, “contend” is used to convey a sense of challenge or competition, but it is not necessarily negative or confrontational.

Contentious

The word “contentious”, on the other hand, is almost always used in a negative or confrontational context. It implies a sense of disagreement or conflict. For example:

• “The debate became increasingly contentious as the candidates attacked each other’s positions.”
• “The issue of gun control is highly contentious and often leads to heated arguments.”
• “The company’s decision to lay off employees was met with a contentious response from the union.”

In each of these examples, “contentious” is used to describe a situation that is negative or confrontational in nature. It implies a sense of conflict or disagreement that may be difficult to resolve.

Contextual Examples

To further illustrate how context can impact the choice between “contend” and “contentious”, consider the following examples:

Context	Example Using “Contend”	Example Using “Contentious”
Political Debate	“The candidates will contend for the support of undecided voters.”	“The debate became contentious as the candidates attacked each other’s positions.”
Business Meeting	“We must contend with the challenges of a changing market.”	“The meeting became contentious as different departments argued over budget allocations.”
Family Discussion	“We can contend with our differences and find a way to compromise.”	“The discussion became contentious when personal attacks were made.”

As these examples demonstrate, the choice between “contend” and “contentious” can greatly impact the overall tone and message of a sentence or statement. It is important to consider the context in which these words are being used in order to effectively communicate the intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the use of contend and contentious follows a certain set of rules, there are exceptions where these rules may not apply. Here are some instances where the use of these words may differ:

1. Legal Context

In a legal context, the word “contend” may have a different meaning. It can refer to a claim or assertion made in a legal proceeding. For example:

Correct Usage	Incorrect Usage
He will contend in court that he is not guilty of the crime.	He will be contentious in court that he is not guilty of the crime.

2. Colloquial Expressions

There are some colloquial expressions where the use of “contentious” may not be appropriate. For example:

• He is a contentious person to be around. (Correct)
• He is a contend person to be around. (Incorrect)

In this case, the word “contentious” is used to describe someone who is argumentative or quarrelsome. The word “contend” does not have the same connotation in this context.

3. Regional Differences

The use of “contend” and “contentious” may also vary depending on the region. For instance, in British English, “contentious” is often used to mean “disputable” or “debatable”.

• The issue of climate change is contentious. (Correct in British English)
• The issue of climate change is contend. (Incorrect in British English)

However, in American English, “controversial” is the more commonly used term in this context.

It’s important to note that while these exceptions exist, it’s still crucial to follow the standard rules for using contend and contentious in most cases.

Practice Exercises

In order to improve your understanding and proper usage of the words “contend” and “contentious,” it’s important to practice using them in sentences. Here are a few exercises to help you do just that:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

Sentence	Word Choices
The students ____________ that the test was too difficult.	contend, contentious
The ____________ debate lasted for hours.	contentious, contend
She ____________ with her boss about the new project.	contended, contentious
The ____________ issue was finally resolved.	contentious, contend

Answer Key:

• The students contended that the test was too difficult.
• The contentious debate lasted for hours.
• She contended with her boss about the new project.
• The contentious issue was finally resolved.

Exercise 2: Writing Practice

Write a sentence using each of the words “contend” and “contentious” correctly:

• Contend: I will contend for the top spot in the competition.
• Contentious: The contentious debate over the new policy lasted all night.

Explanation:

Using “contend” in this sentence means that the speaker is determined to fight for the top spot in the competition. Using “contentious” in the second sentence means that the debate was full of disagreement and argument.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “contend” and “contentious” is crucial for effective communication. The words may seem interchangeable, but they have distinct meanings that can drastically alter the message being conveyed.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• Contend means to argue or compete, while contentious means causing or likely to cause an argument or controversy.
• Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
• It is important to always double-check the usage of words to ensure clear communication.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes. Whether it’s through reading books, taking courses, or practicing writing, there are many ways to enhance one’s language proficiency.

Remember, language is a powerful tool that can be used to inspire, persuade, and inform. By mastering its nuances, we can become more effective communicators and better convey our ideas to the world.