The main contention is
Academic essay writing expression
Use this phrase to introduce your strongest, most central argument in formal writing or serious debates.
15 सेकंड में
- Identifies the primary argument or point of disagreement in a discussion.
- Used mostly in academic writing, legal contexts, and professional debates.
- Signals that the most important information is coming next.
मतलब
Think of this as the 'heart of the matter.' It is the primary point you are trying to prove or the central thing people are disagreeing about.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 7Writing a university essay
The main contention is that economic policy must prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
The main contention is that economic policy must prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
A serious business board meeting
The main contention is whether we should expand into the Asian market this year.
The main contention is whether we should expand into the Asian market this year.
A humorous debate between friends
Look, the main contention is that pineapple simply does not belong on a pizza.
Look, the main contention is that pineapple simply does not belong on a pizza.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
This phrase is deeply rooted in the Anglo-American tradition of adversarial debate. It reflects a cultural preference for directness and logical hierarchy in formal communication. It became a staple of academic writing as a way to clearly distinguish a writer's unique contribution to a field of study.
Pair it with 'that'
Almost always follow this phrase with the word `that` to introduce your full clause. It keeps the sentence grammatically smooth.
Don't overuse it
If you have five 'main contentions,' none of them are actually the main one. Stick to one or two per piece of writing.
15 सेकंड में
- Identifies the primary argument or point of disagreement in a discussion.
- Used mostly in academic writing, legal contexts, and professional debates.
- Signals that the most important information is coming next.
What It Means
The main contention is sounds fancy, but it is just a spotlight. It points directly at the strongest argument in a debate. Imagine a courtroom drama where a lawyer slams their hand on the table. They are about to reveal the core reason someone is guilty. That core reason is the 'contention.' In your writing, it tells the reader: 'Ignore the small stuff; this is the big issue.' It is the anchor for your entire perspective.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the start of a paragraph. It works best when followed by a clear, bold statement. For example: The main contention is that social media ruins sleep. You are setting the stage for everything that follows. It acts like a signpost in a forest. It keeps your audience from getting lost in minor details. Use it to introduce your thesis or a major counter-argument.
When To Use It
This is your best friend for university essays or research papers. It is perfect for professional business reports where you need to sound authoritative. Use it during a formal debate or a high-stakes meeting. If you are writing a letter to the editor, this phrase gives you instant credibility. It shows you have thought deeply about the subject. It turns a simple opinion into a structured argument.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this while grabbing a beer with friends. If you say, The main contention is that you always pick bad movies, you will sound like a textbook. It is way too stiff for a first date or a casual text. Avoid it in emotional situations where you need to be soft. It is a 'brain' phrase, not a 'heart' phrase. Using it with kids might just result in blank stares and confusion.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the long history of Western rhetoric and law. In English-speaking academic culture, we love to 'get to the point.' We value clear, logical structures where the main idea is stated upfront. Historically, 'contention' implies a struggle or a competition of ideas. It reflects a culture that views debate as a healthy way to find the truth. It is the language of the 'marketplace of ideas.'
Common Variations
You might hear people say The primary contention is or The central argument is. If something is a source of constant fighting, we call it a bone of contention. Sometimes, in very formal settings, you will see It is our contention that. All of these serve the same purpose: they highlight the most important part of a disagreement. They all make you sound like a sharp, logical thinker.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
This is a high-level academic phrase. It is almost exclusively used in formal writing or structured debates. Using it in casual conversation may make you sound pretentious or overly confrontational.
Pair it with 'that'
Almost always follow this phrase with the word `that` to introduce your full clause. It keeps the sentence grammatically smooth.
Don't overuse it
If you have five 'main contentions,' none of them are actually the main one. Stick to one or two per piece of writing.
The 'Bone' Secret
If you hear someone mention a 'bone of contention,' they are talking about a specific issue that causes endless arguing, like two dogs fighting over one bone!
उदाहरण
7The main contention is that economic policy must prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
The main contention is that economic policy must prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
This sets the thesis for a formal academic paper.
The main contention is whether we should expand into the Asian market this year.
The main contention is whether we should expand into the Asian market this year.
It focuses the group on the most important decision point.
Look, the main contention is that pineapple simply does not belong on a pizza.
Look, the main contention is that pineapple simply does not belong on a pizza.
Using formal language for a silly topic creates a funny, mock-serious tone.
The main contention is that the new law infringes upon individual privacy rights.
The main contention is that the new law infringes upon individual privacy rights.
This identifies the core legal or ethical conflict.
My main contention is that the proposed solution fails to address the root cause of the problem.
My main contention is that the proposed solution fails to address the root cause of the problem.
A classic way to start a rebuttal in a debate.
The main contention is that we aren't spending enough quality time together as a family.
The main contention is that we aren't spending enough quality time together as a family.
It helps organize feelings into a clear, addressable point.
The main contention is the deadline; the client wants it sooner than we can deliver.
The main contention is the deadline; the client wants it sooner than we can deliver.
Slightly formal for a text, but clear for a work context.
खुद को परखो
Choose the best word to complete the formal argument.
The main ___ is that the data was collected using an outdated methodology.
'Contention' is the standard academic term for a central argument or point of disagreement.
Complete the sentence to introduce a primary point.
The main contention ___ that the city needs more public parks.
The phrase 'The main contention' is singular, so it requires the verb 'is'.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality Spectrum
Talking to a friend about dinner.
The big problem is...
Explaining a situation to a coworker.
The main point is...
Writing an academic essay or report.
The main contention is...
Where to use 'The Main Contention Is'
University Thesis
Defining the core argument of a paper.
Legal Brief
Stating the primary disagreement in a case.
Business Proposal
Highlighting the main challenge to overcome.
Formal Debate
Introducing the strongest point against an opponent.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालYes, but it is more formal. While an argument can be a shouting match, a contention is a structured point you are asserting in a debate.
It might sound a bit too stiff. Unless you are being intentionally funny or very serious, try The main point is instead.
Both are correct. The main contention sounds more objective, while My main contention makes it clear that this is your specific perspective.
The plural is The main contentions are. However, usually, there is only one 'main' one, so the singular is much more common.
Yes! It can make you sound very professional when explaining a complex problem you solved. For example: The main contention in that project was...
Usually, yes. It implies that there are other possible views, and you are choosing to defend this specific one.
Yes, but it is often better to use that followed by a full sentence. The main contention is that the budget is too low is stronger than The main contention is about the budget.
Yes, it is used equally in both British and American academic and formal writing.
It is a common idiom meaning a specific subject that people always argue about. For example: The messy kitchen is a constant bone of contention between the roommates.
It is better at the beginning or middle. By the end, you should be summarizing, not just introducing your main point for the first time.
संबंधित मुहावरे
The crux of the matter
The most important or decisive point of an issue.
The primary argument
The first and most important reason given for something.
A bone of contention
A subject or issue over which there is continuing disagreement.
The central thesis
The main idea or theory that is supported by a piece of writing.
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