I contend that
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use `I contend that` to assert a strong, professional opinion you are ready to back up with logic.
15秒了解
- A formal way to state a firm, debatable opinion.
- Signals that you have evidence to support your claim.
- Best for presentations, essays, and professional debates.
意思
Use this phrase to state a strong opinion that you are prepared to defend with facts or logic. It suggests that while others might disagree, you are confident in your position.
关键例句
3 / 7In a high-level business meeting
I contend that our current strategy is outdated for the digital market.
I argue that our current strategy is outdated for the digital market.
Writing an academic essay
I contend that the industrial revolution was the primary driver of urbanization.
I argue that the industrial revolution was the primary driver of urbanization.
A playful debate with friends about food
I contend that pineapple is the superior pizza topping, regardless of what you say!
I strongly believe that pineapple is the best pizza topping!
文化背景
The phrase is deeply rooted in the Anglo-American legal and debating tradition. It reflects a culture that values 'adversarial' discourse, where truth is found by pitting two strong arguments against each other. It became popular in corporate boardrooms as a way to sound authoritative without being overly aggressive.
The 'Evidence' Rule
Only use this phrase if you have at least one reason to back it up. It signals to the listener that you aren't just guessing.
Don't Sound Like a Robot
If you use this in a casual bar or while hanging out, you might sound a bit arrogant or overly stiff. Save it for when you want to be taken very seriously.
15秒了解
- A formal way to state a firm, debatable opinion.
- Signals that you have evidence to support your claim.
- Best for presentations, essays, and professional debates.
What It Means
Imagine you are in a meeting. Everyone is guessing why sales dropped. You have a specific theory. You don't just "think" it; you are sure. You say, I contend that the new pricing is the problem. It sounds strong. It sounds like you have proof. It is more than a simple opinion. It is a formal position. You are planting a flag. You are ready to defend it against any counter-arguments.
How To Use It
The grammar is very simple. Use the phrase, then add the word that, and follow it with a full sentence. For example, I contend that we need more resources. It usually starts the sentence to set a serious tone. You can also drop it into the middle for emphasis. "The data, I contend, is actually misleading." This adds a sophisticated pause. It makes you sound like a seasoned expert.
When To Use It
Use this in professional settings. It is perfect for business presentations. Use it in academic essays or research papers. It works well in legal or high-stakes discussions. If you are in a formal debate, this is your best friend. It shows you are intellectually serious. It signals to people that they should listen closely. You can also use it when arguing a serious point with a friend.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for light small talk. Don't say it at the grocery store. "I contend that these apples are too expensive" sounds quite strange. It is too heavy for casual topics. Avoid it if you aren't 100% sure of your point. If you say it, people will expect evidence. It can sound a bit "know-it-all" in a relaxed setting. Use it sparingly. Too much use makes you sound like a walking textbook.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from old legal and academic traditions. In a courtroom, lawyers "contend" certain points to a judge. It is a core part of formal Western rhetoric. Western culture values logical, evidence-based debate. This phrase is a primary tool for that. It moved from law into the worlds of business and science. It carries a sense of authority and high-level education.
Common Variations
You might hear It is my contention that. This is even more formal and slightly old-fashioned. Some people say I would contend that. This is a bit softer and more polite. You can also say Many contend that. This is common in news reports or textbooks. It suggests a popular but debated idea. I maintain that is a very close synonym used for staying firm on a point.
使用说明
This is a high-level (B2/C1) expression. Use it in essays, debates, or professional meetings to sound authoritative. Avoid it in casual settings unless you are intentionally being 'mock-formal' for humor.
The 'Evidence' Rule
Only use this phrase if you have at least one reason to back it up. It signals to the listener that you aren't just guessing.
Don't Sound Like a Robot
If you use this in a casual bar or while hanging out, you might sound a bit arrogant or overly stiff. Save it for when you want to be taken very seriously.
The Academic Secret
In English-speaking universities, using `I contend that` in your first paragraph is a 'power move' that tells the professor you are a strong writer.
例句
7I contend that our current strategy is outdated for the digital market.
I argue that our current strategy is outdated for the digital market.
This sounds professional and confident rather than just 'thinking' something is wrong.
I contend that the industrial revolution was the primary driver of urbanization.
I argue that the industrial revolution was the primary driver of urbanization.
Standard way to introduce a thesis or a main argument in writing.
I contend that pineapple is the superior pizza topping, regardless of what you say!
I strongly believe that pineapple is the best pizza topping!
Using a formal phrase for a silly topic creates a humorous, 'mock-serious' tone.
I contend that if we don't hire a freelancer now, we will miss the deadline.
I'm telling you, if we don't hire someone now, we'll be late.
Adds weight to the warning in a professional text exchange.
I contend that every child deserves equal access to high-quality healthcare.
I firmly believe that every child deserves equal access to healthcare.
Used here to show deep conviction and moral standing.
I contend that the main character was actually a ghost the whole time.
I'm convinced the main character was a ghost the whole time.
Shows you are ready to point out clues from the movie to prove your point.
I contend that the results show a clear correlation between the two variables.
I argue that the results show a clear link between the two variables.
Asserts a scientific finding with professional confidence.
自我测试
Choose the best word to complete the formal assertion.
I ___ that the proposed budget is insufficient for our goals.
`Contend` is the appropriate formal verb for making a strong, professional argument.
Complete the sentence structure correctly.
I contend ___ the data has been misinterpreted by the media.
The phrase `I contend` is almost always followed by the conjunction `that` to introduce the claim.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of Expressing Opinions
Used with friends
I reckon...
Standard daily use
I think that...
Professional/Academic
I contend that...
Legal/Oratory
It is my contention that...
Where to use 'I contend that'
Boardroom Meeting
Arguing for a new strategy.
University Lecture
Challenging a historical theory.
Courtroom
A lawyer making a point.
Serious Debate
Discussing climate policy.
Formal Email
Disagreeing with a project direction.
常见问题
11 个问题It means 'I strongly argue that' or 'It is my firm opinion that.' It is used to assert a position that might be controversial.
Not quite. I think is soft and personal, while I contend is strong, formal, and suggests you have logical reasons for your belief.
Usually no, unless you are being funny or having a very serious debate. In a normal text, it sounds too formal.
Yes, it is excellent for professional emails where you need to disagree politely but firmly with a colleague or client.
It is assertive, but not necessarily aggressive. It sounds like a person who is confident in their facts rather than someone who is angry.
No, you use it for opinions or interpretations of facts. You wouldn't say I contend that the sun is hot because everyone knows that.
Yes! It is very common to use it to describe someone else's argument, like The author contends that the war was avoidable.
The noun is contention. You can say My contention is that... to sound even more formal.
It is used equally in both. It is a standard part of formal English globally.
Forgetting the word that. You must say I contend that... followed by a full sentence, not just a noun.
No. I contend means you are making an argument. I contest means you are challenging or opposing someone else's argument.
相关表达
I maintain that
To continue to argue something despite opposition.
I assert that
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
I would argue that
A slightly more polite/indirect way to state a strong opinion.
It is my firm belief that
A very strong way to express a personal conviction.
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