contrived setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrived setting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or environment that feels artificial or forced, often in the context of literature, film, or theater. Example: "The plot was engaging, but the contrived setting made it hard to suspend disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

For similar reasons I felt really uncomfortable in school, and acting allowed me to interact in an entirely contrived setting that made me feel almost counter-intuitively much more comfortable.

Huffington Post

The first is that these clinical examinations are snapshots in a contrived setting and it begs the question whether empathy can really be adequately assessed in these circumstances.

BMC Medical Education

This could either be due to method effect or that OSCEs are testing knowledge application in a contrived setting and may not necessarily predict performance in a real doctor patient encounter.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Lacking the sharp writing of The First Wives Club, Nick Cassavetes's "candy-dipped" comedy lurches in ungainly fashion between increasingly contrived set-pieces, its three stars flailing their way through the over-cranked scenic caper japes with little or no sense of sisters actually doing it for themselves.

The Guardian - Film

There's a slight jolting sensation as the narrative shifts gear from poetic to cinematic, with guns and knives and elaborately contrived set-ups replacing the earlier evocations of drains and flesh and wintry streets, but it's all managed with great brio and expertise, and it all comes to a very satisfying climax.

The Guardian - Books

I like how they look as an assortment, and not as a contrived set.

HuffPost

Writer/director Gavin O'Connor (who directed the aforementioned Miracle) finds a neat way out of this contrived set-up.

Huffington Post

The scene is clearly set up, from the artfully arranged furnishings to the woman's contrived pose: she gazes heroically off into the distance.

The New York Times

Cipriano de Rore, another Netherlander adopted by Italy, felt Willaert's influence strongly yet contrived to set new standards in the interpretation of poetry through music and also to encourage an artistic fusion of the contrapuntal and homophonic styles, using them alternately in one and the same composition according to the dictates of the poem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No matter how contrived the setting, what unfolds on the court can't be pre-scripted.

The Guardian - Books

There is some poignancy here, but also something cloyingly contrived; the setting Vincent Lannoo creates has a quirky romcom unreality that makes the flourish of fantasy simply a second level of implausibility.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene in fiction, use "contrived setting" to subtly imply that the environment feels artificial or lacks genuine emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "contrived setting" in formal reports or academic papers unless you are specifically critiquing the artificiality of a research environment or experimental design. Opt for more neutral terms like "controlled environment" or "simulated scenario" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrived setting" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. It modifies a noun, adding the quality of being artificially planned or created rather than naturally occurring. Ludwig AI examples show its use in contexts ranging from theatrical productions to clinical examinations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contrived setting" is used to describe an environment or situation that appears artificial, unnatural, or deliberately created for a specific purpose. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct, though relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media or scientific contexts. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is often used to express a critical viewpoint. When writing, it's best to consider if a more neutral term like "artificial environment" might be more suitable, especially in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

artificial environment

Focuses on the artificiality of the environment, emphasizing its lack of natural qualities.

contrived setup

Focuses on the deliberate arrangement of elements to achieve a specific effect.

unnatural backdrop

Highlights the staged or forced nature of the background.

contrived situation

Highlights the artificial creation of a specific set of circumstances.

forced scenario

Emphasizes the imposition of a particular situation or set of circumstances.

staged atmosphere

Focuses on the deliberate creation of a specific mood or ambiance.

manufactured situation

Highlights the artificial creation and lack of genuine origin.

simulated environment

Stresses the imitation of a real environment, often for experimental purposes.

artificial construct

Emphasizes the constructed, rather than naturally occurring, nature of the setting.

theatrical setting

Suggests a stage-like environment, lacking authenticity.

FAQs

How can I use "contrived setting" in a sentence?

You can use "contrived setting" to describe a scene or situation that appears artificial or unnatural, for example: "The play suffered from a "contrived setting" that detracted from the emotional impact of the dialogue."

What's the difference between "contrived setting" and "artificial setting"?

"Artificial setting" generally refers to something man-made or not naturally occurring, while "contrived setting" implies a deliberate and often elaborate effort to create an unnatural or unrealistic environment. A "contrived setting" is artificially created with a specific, often manipulative, purpose.

What are some synonyms for "contrived setting"?

Alternatives to "contrived setting" include "artificial environment", "unnatural backdrop", or "forced scenario", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "contrived setting" negative in connotation?

Yes, "contrived setting" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the situation or environment is inauthentic, forced, or manipulated.