"contended that" vs "contention was that"

Question

"contended that" vs "contention was that"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Contention was that' is used to introduce an argument or point of view, while 'contended that' is used to express a past tense action of arguing or asserting something.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that someone argued or asserted a particular point in the past.

Examples:

She contended that the decision was unfair.
The lawyer contended that the evidence was insufficient.
He contended that his proposal was the best option.

Alternatives:

Argued that
Asserted that
Claimed that
Stated that
Maintained that

This phrase is typically used to introduce a statement or argument, indicating what someone believes or asserts.

Examples:

His contention was that the project would not be completed on time.
The main contention was that the new policy would negatively impact employees.
Their contention was that the company's profits were being mismanaged.

Alternatives:

The argument was that
The claim was that
The assertion was that
The belief was that
The position was that

Answer 1

contended that

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a past tense action of arguing or asserting something.

Answer 2

contention was that

This phrase is correct and commonly used to introduce an argument or point of view.

"contended that" vs "contention was that"

contended that

contention was that

Related Comparisons