contemporary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemporary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is modern or current, often in relation to art, culture, or events occurring in the present time. Example: "The gallery features a collection of contemporary art that reflects current societal issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Books

Lifestyle

Film

Music

Opinion

TV & Radio

Politics

Sport

Culture

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Amal Khanum Gadjieva of the Bactria Cultural Centre in the capital says that the low quality of contemporary productions has left the post-Soviet generation uninterested in theatre.

The Guardian

Fanatical defenders of religion start out attacking contemporary secular culture; it's no surprise when they end up forsaking any meaningful religious experience.

The Guardian

Good job Fielding was there, or I might have blamed myself for being intolerant and not giving contemporary art and its language a chance.

The Guardian

The docs they are looking for need to have brilliant storytelling and characters, focused on contemporary subjects that are relevant globally and feel very new.

The Guardian

"Nobody else was focusing on contemporary Latin American art and I felt there was a real need for a gallery that shows the quality of the work we have on offer here," he says.

The Guardian - Travel

When it comes to food to soak up all that pisco, Vinilo ([phone], cafevinilo.cl) is worth a visit for a contemporary take on Chilean dishes such as shredded beef in a stylish roulade.

The Guardian - Travel

If we don't want British contemporary theatre to become a little ghetto of its own, then our theatre-makers need to get outside of European borders more, and that is likely to become more difficult if we won't let others in.

The Guardian

The show takes the form of a week-long house-warming party, and is a look at contemporary migration, inspired by Chekhov's Three Sisters.

The Guardian

It's always shown contemporary art, always collected contemporary art.

The Guardian

Ms Weissová-Hošková was introduced by the Nash's artistic director Amelia Freedman to an editor from Penguin, who commissioned the diaries Helga had kept as a child in Terezín, for publication this year – a major event, for such contemporary records (as opposed to memoirs) are rare.

The Guardian - Music

Christopher Reid's work, by contrast, I love for its wry and always well-mannered outsider's take on contemporary mores.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemporary" to refer to issues or events that are relevant and happening in the present era, ensuring clarity and relevance in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "contemporary" when discussing past events. "Contemporary" should primarily describe what is happening or relevant now, not what was current in a previous era. Instead, use terms like "modern" or "period-specific" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The word "contemporary" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something belongs to the present time or is characteristic of current styles and ideas. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Arts

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Lifestyle

7%

Film

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemporary" is a versatile adjective that indicates relevance to the present time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage. It is grammatically sound, frequently used in news, arts, and books, and enjoys a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When writing, use "contemporary" to precisely specify that something reflects current styles, but avoid using it when referring to past events. Consider alternatives like "modern" or "current" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modern

Focuses on the present and recent times, similar to "contemporary".

current

Emphasizes the present time, akin to "contemporary" in immediacy.

present-day

Highlights the existing period, much like "contemporary" does.

up-to-date

Stresses being current with the latest information or styles, overlapping with "contemporary".

new

Simple term indicating recentness, relates to "contemporary" in terms of time.

recent

Signifies nearness in time, shares the temporal aspect of "contemporary".

fashionable

Refers to current trends and styles, connecting to "contemporary" in cultural relevance.

modernistic

Implies a break from traditional styles, relates to the innovative aspect of "contemporary".

avant-garde

Highlights experimental and innovative trends, linking to "contemporary" through cutting-edge concepts.

cutting-edge

Emphasizes the most advanced stage of development, similar to the leading-edge implication of "contemporary".

FAQs

How can I use "contemporary" in a sentence?

You can use "contemporary" to describe something that is modern, current, or relevant to the present time. For example, "The museum features a collection of contemporary art."

What words can I use instead of "contemporary"?

Alternatives to "contemporary" include "modern", "current", and "present-day", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "contemporary" and "modern"?

"Contemporary" generally refers to what is happening or relevant now, while "modern" can refer to a broader period or style, not necessarily limited to the present.

Is it correct to use "contemporary" to describe something from the past?

No, "contemporary" should primarily describe what is happening or relevant now. For past events, use terms like "historical" or "period-specific" instead.