Contend with sb Meaning, Examples & How to Use Correctly

What Does “Contend with sb” Mean?

“Contend with sb” means to struggle against or compete with someone, often in a challenging or difficult situation.

Introduction

The phrase “contend with sb” is commonly used in English to describe situations where people face competition, conflict, or difficulties involving another person. Understanding the “contend with sb meaning” helps learners express ideas about rivalry, disputes, or efforts to overcome challenges posed by others. Whether in sports, work, or everyday life, this phrasal verb is useful for discussing how people deal with opposition. Using it correctly improves your ability to describe interactions clearly and naturally.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Contend with somebody
• Type: Intransitive (requires a preposition “with”)
• Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
• Short meaning: To compete or struggle against someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Contend with sb” is inseparable, meaning you cannot separate the verb and the preposition. The pattern is:

• Contend + with + somebody
• Example: They contend with their rivals every season.

Since it is intransitive, it does not take a direct object without “with”.

How to Use “Contend with sb”?

You use “contend with sb” when talking about dealing with or competing against another person or group. It often implies a challenge or struggle, not just a simple competition. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts, such as sports, business, or personal conflicts.

Examples

• Our team must contend with strong opponents in the final match.
• She had to contend with her colleague to get the promotion.
• Small businesses often contend with larger companies for customers.
• In the debate, he contended with his rival skillfully.
• They are contending with each other for the top prize.

These examples show how “contend with sb in a sentence” expresses competition or struggle.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect: She contends her brother for the award.
  Correct: She contends with her brother for the award.
• Incorrect: They contend the problem.
  Correct: They contend with the problem.

Remember, “contend” always requires “with” when talking about people or problems.

Differences / Synonyms

• Contend with sb focuses on struggling or competing against a person.
• Compete with sb usually means taking part in a contest or competition.
• Argue with sb means to have a verbal disagreement.
• Deal with sb is broader and means to handle or manage interactions.

While “contend with sb” implies a challenge, “compete with sb” is more neutral and related to formal contests.

Common Collocations

• Contend with opponents
• Contend with rivals
• Contend with difficulties
• Contend with challenges
• Contend with competitors

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of contend with sb:

• Contend With Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Anna: Our new product launch is next week. We have to contend with strong competitors.

Ben: Yes, but if we focus on quality, we can win customers despite the competition.

Anna: True. It’s always tough to contend with big companies, but we can do it.

Practice

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:

She had to _________ her main rival to win the championship.

• a) contend
• b) contend with
• c) contend for
• d) contend to

Answer: b) contend with

FAQs

• Q: Is “contend with sb” formal or informal?
  A: It is mostly used in formal or neutral contexts.
• Q: Can I say “contend someone”?
  A: No, you must use “contend with someone.”
• Q: What is the difference between “contend with” and “compete with”?
  A: “Contend with” implies struggle or challenge, while “compete with” refers to taking part in a contest.
• Q: Can “contend with” be used for problems?
  A: Yes, it is common to say “contend with problems” or “contend with difficulties.”
• Q: Is “contend with sb” separable?
  A: No, it is inseparable. You cannot put words between “contend” and “with.”