it was contrived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was contrived" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that seems artificial, forced, or not natural, often in the context of storytelling or creativity. Example: "The plot twist in the movie felt like it was contrived, lacking the authenticity that the rest of the story had."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I always thought that it was contrived, so unlike his true nature.

The Guardian - Sport

Alexis Grenell, a 17-year-old Schechter student, said she thought it was contrived and had little effect on peers' attitudes.

The New York Times

The film has some nice touches and interesting locations, although I felt it was contrived and ties itself in knots delivering the final twist.

The Guardian - Film

This espionage arc didn't blot out "The Hour" 's appeal, but it was contrived, and reminded me how many television shows both good and bad rely on such perfidious schemes.

The New Yorker

It was contrived to encompass two coexisting postwar trends in black music (the jump song and the blues song), but by 1953 it was being used to describe all black popular music taken together, and it was beginning to imply a movement.

The New Yorker

It was contrived with the purposes of (i) providing sufficient osmolarity and buffering capacity, (ii) minimizing ionic species to facilitate the binding of extracellular proteins to anion-exchange media, and (iii) enhancing PAC expression level and secretion efficiency.

Journal of Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In its weaker moments, it is contrived and clichéd, with a naïve use of violence — just as music critics talk about "landfill indie"; perhaps movie critics may need to talk about "landfill social realism".

The Guardian - Film

It's contrived.

The New Yorker

It is contrived, he argues.

The Guardian

It's contrived to keep fees up".

The Guardian

"Most of it is contrived," Mr. Lamb said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was contrived" to critique elements in narratives, performances, or situations that lack authenticity or appear overly manipulated. Consider if the artificiality enhances or detracts from the overall effect.

Common error

Avoid using "it was contrived" simply to state something was planned or created. The phrase carries a negative connotation, implying artificiality or a lack of genuineness. Use more neutral terms like "it was planned" or "it was designed" when the intent isn't to critique the artificiality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was contrived" primarily functions as a subjective commentary on something perceived as artificial or deliberately constructed, often implying a lack of genuineness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was contrived" is a useful phrase to express the perception that something lacks authenticity or is artificially constructed. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is commonly used and considered correct. Be aware of its negative connotation and avoid using it when a neutral description is needed. Instead of saying "it was contrived", consider using alternatives like "it felt artificial" or "it seemed forced" depending on the context. This phrase is frequently found in News & Media, with less common occurrences in Science and Wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it felt artificial

Emphasizes the lack of naturalness or genuineness.

it seemed forced

Highlights the lack of spontaneity or natural flow.

it appeared staged

Suggests a deliberate arrangement for effect.

it rang hollow

Implies a lack of sincerity or depth.

it lacked authenticity

Focuses on the absence of genuine character or origin.

it was intentionally created

Highlights the deliberate act of creation, possibly implying manipulation.

it was artificially produced

Emphasizes the manufactured nature of something.

it was a setup

Suggests a deceptive or manipulative arrangement.

it was calculated

Highlights the deliberate planning and forethought involved.

it seemed unnatural

Points out the deviation from what is considered normal or genuine.

FAQs

How can I use "it was contrived" in a sentence?

You can use "it was contrived" to describe something that seems artificial, forced, or unnatural. For example, "The ending of the movie felt "it was contrived", as if the writers needed a happy ending at any cost."

What's the difference between "it was contrived" and "it was planned"?

"It was planned" simply means something was arranged ahead of time. "It was contrived" implies that something was artificially created, often with a negative connotation of lacking genuineness.

What are some synonyms for "it was contrived"?

Alternatives to ""it was contrived"" include phrases like "it felt artificial", "it seemed forced", or "it appeared staged", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was contrived" always negative?

While ""it was contrived"" usually carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of authenticity, it can sometimes be used neutrally or even positively when discussing artifice as a deliberate stylistic choice. However, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation.