Opponents contend that
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this phrase to introduce a serious disagreement while sounding objective, balanced, and highly educated.
15초 만에
- Introduces a counter-argument with professional polish.
- Shows you understand both sides of an issue.
- Best for serious debates, writing, or business meetings.
뜻
This phrase is used to introduce a different point of view or a disagreement. It’s a polite way to say, 'Some people don't agree and here is why.'
주요 예문
3 / 6In a corporate board meeting
The CEO wants to expand, but opponents contend that the market is too volatile.
The CEO wants to expand, but critics argue the market is unstable.
Writing a university essay
While the theory is popular, opponents contend that the data is outdated.
Even though the theory is popular, some argue the data is old.
Discussing a new city law with a neighbor
The mayor loves the new park, but opponents contend that it costs too much tax money.
The mayor likes the park, but some people say it's too expensive.
문화적 배경
This expression is rooted in the Anglo-American 'adversarial system' of debate and law. It emphasizes the importance of a 'loyal opposition'—the idea that hearing the opposing side leads to better truth. It became a staple of high-level journalism and academic discourse in the 20th century.
The 'Fairness' Trick
Using this phrase makes you look unbiased. Even if you disagree with the 'opponents,' mentioning them makes your own argument look stronger.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase five times in one email, you'll sound like a lawyer. Save it for the most important counter-point.
15초 만에
- Introduces a counter-argument with professional polish.
- Shows you understand both sides of an issue.
- Best for serious debates, writing, or business meetings.
What It Means
Opponents contend that is a sophisticated way to present a counter-argument. It tells your listener that you are looking at both sides. The word opponents refers to people who disagree. The word contend means to assert or argue strongly. Together, they create a bridge to a different perspective. It sounds much smarter than just saying 'But some people say.'
How To Use It
You use this phrase to introduce a specific objection. Usually, you state one fact first. Then, you use this phrase to show the other side. It works best when followed by a clear reason. For example, 'The plan is cheap, but opponents contend that it is unsafe.' It makes you sound balanced and fair. Just don't use it for small things like pizza toppings!
When To Use It
Use this in professional meetings or academic writing. It is perfect for debates or serious discussions. You can use it when writing a blog post about a controversial topic. It also works well in news reporting. If you are trying to convince your boss of something, use it to show you've thought about the risks. It shows you are a deep thinker.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very casual settings. Don't say it to your partner during a fight about the dishes. 'My opponents contend that I should scrub the pots' sounds like you're a robot. It is too heavy for texting friends about weekend plans. If the topic is lighthearted, stick to 'Some people think.' Using it for trivial things makes you sound a bit pretentious.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the tradition of formal debate and law. In Western culture, acknowledging the 'other side' is a sign of high-level critical thinking. It shows you aren't just shouting your own opinion. It reflects a culture that values structured disagreement. It’s the language of the courtroom and the parliament brought into professional life.
Common Variations
Critics argue that(very common in reviews)Naysayers claim that(a bit more negative)Dissenters suggest that(sounds more rebellious)Skeptics maintain that(good for scientific or logical doubts)
사용 참고사항
This is a high-register expression. It is most at home in written reports, essays, and formal speeches. In spoken English, use it when you want to sound authoritative or objective.
The 'Fairness' Trick
Using this phrase makes you look unbiased. Even if you disagree with the 'opponents,' mentioning them makes your own argument look stronger.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase five times in one email, you'll sound like a lawyer. Save it for the most important counter-point.
The 'Invisible' Opponent
In English-speaking cultures, you don't always have to name the opponents. Using this phrase implies there is a group of people out there who disagree, which adds weight to the argument.
예시
6The CEO wants to expand, but opponents contend that the market is too volatile.
The CEO wants to expand, but critics argue the market is unstable.
Used here to present a professional risk assessment.
While the theory is popular, opponents contend that the data is outdated.
Even though the theory is popular, some argue the data is old.
Standard academic usage to show critical analysis.
The mayor loves the new park, but opponents contend that it costs too much tax money.
The mayor likes the park, but some people say it's too expensive.
Elevates a local political discussion.
I say cats are better, though opponents contend that dogs are more loyal.
I like cats, but some people argue dogs are more loyal.
Using formal language for a silly topic creates a funny, mock-serious tone.
I loved the ending, but opponents contend that it didn't make any sense!
I liked the end, but critics say it was confusing.
Slightly dramatic for a text, showing the speaker takes movies seriously.
We need immediate action, yet opponents contend that the economic cost is too high.
We must act now, but some argue it will hurt the economy.
Used to highlight a major societal conflict.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the formal counter-argument.
The city wants to build a stadium; however, ___ contend that the noise will be too loud.
`Opponents` is the correct formal term for people who disagree in a public or professional debate.
Select the verb that fits the phrase structure.
Opponents ___ that the new policy violates privacy rights.
We need the plural verb `contend` to match the plural subject `opponents`.
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시각 학습 자료
Formality Scale of Disagreement
Talking to friends
But some people say...
General discussion
Critics argue that...
Professional/Academic
Opponents contend that...
Legal/Parliamentary
The opposition maintains that...
Where to use 'Opponents contend that'
News Report
Reporting on a new bill
Business Proposal
Addressing potential risks
Academic Paper
Discussing a scientific theory
Formal Debate
Rebutting a point
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not exactly. Contend is much stronger and more formal. It implies that the person is making a serious claim that they are ready to defend.
Yes, it's great for showing you've considered different angles. For example: 'I support the change, though opponents contend that we might lose some speed.'
They can be anyone—critics, a rival company, or just people with a different philosophy. The phrase is intentionally broad.
Absolutely. It is standard in all major dialects of English, especially in journalism and law.
Usually, yes. Opponents refers to people or groups. You wouldn't say 'the weather contends that...'
It’s better to avoid it for small things. Saying 'opponents contend that pineapple doesn't belong on pizza' is funny because it's so formal for a silly topic.
Contend feels slightly more formal and 'intellectual' than argue. In most cases, they are interchangeable, but contend is a C2-level word.
Yes, in this specific structure, that introduces the clause explaining what the disagreement is about.
It’s grammatically possible, but much less common. The simple present contend is the standard way to state a position.
No, it's actually quite polite. It creates a professional distance between you and the disagreement.
관련 표현
Critics argue that
Used when experts or reviewers have a different opinion.
On the contrary
Used to introduce a statement that is the exact opposite of what was just said.
In contrast to
Used to compare two very different things or ideas.
Proponents suggest that
The opposite of opponents; used for people who support an idea.
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