somewhat contrived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat contrived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that seems forced, artificial, or lacking in authenticity, often in the context of storytelling or arguments. Example: "The plot of the movie felt somewhat contrived, as the characters' motivations were not fully developed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It was also a somewhat contrived introduction.

The Guardian - Sport

His novels usually move towards powerfully emotional, [if] not to say somewhat contrived climaxes.

The Guardian

In "Only Children" this is somewhat contrived, and Cora's story is strongest as a character piece.

The Guardian - Books

Of course, Rollins's boldness on the Leno show may have been somewhat contrived.

The New York Times - Sports

Figure 14.10 provides an illustration, which is somewhat contrived, but will be useful as an example for the tradeoff.

Stanford University

Still, Conant has a deft touch for dishes that, if somewhat contrived in their complexity, are undeniably exquisite.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

But the rationales sound slightly contrived.

The Economist

Of course some of the appeal remains in deciphering what is fictional and what is real – hence complaints about the pair spending the equivalent of a licence fee on a lunch – although the conceit feels somewhat more contrived this time around.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Hunted's" mythology gets a bit convoluted and somewhat more contrived toward the end of the eight-part series, but in the main, it's quite enjoyable to see a character-driven, action-laced spy drama take full advantage of the serialization possibilities of pay cable.

Huffington Post

As for the "hunger angel," this is the contrived and somewhat overindulged spirit that broods over his life, interrupts its few pleasures and remains to damn him.

The New York Times - Books

Probably the one from the Mail writer whose attempt at being offended contrived to be somewhat off-colour itself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat contrived" to subtly critique elements in narratives, arguments, or designs that lack authenticity or appear overly manipulated, maintaining a tone that's critical yet nuanced.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat contrived" too frequently in your writing; it can become repetitive and weaken your critique. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "slightly artificial" or "a bit forced" to maintain reader engagement and provide more specific insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat contrived" primarily functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun to express that something is artificial or unnatural to a certain extent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

19%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat contrived" is a useful phrase for expressing a subtle critique of something that appears artificial or forced. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms to add variety to your writing. While considered neutral leaning towards formal, you can confidently incorporate "somewhat contrived" when writing reviews, analyses, or critiques.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly artificial

Replaces "contrived" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the lack of naturalness.

a bit forced

Emphasizes the lack of spontaneity and the presence of effort.

rather artificial

Uses "artificial" to highlight the lack of genuineness.

somewhat artificial

Similar to "slightly artificial" but with a more common adverb.

a little staged

Focuses on the planned or arranged nature of something.

slightly unnatural

Highlights the departure from what is considered natural or genuine.

a bit manipulated

Implicates intentional influence or control to achieve a specific outcome.

rather fabricated

Emphasizes that something has been made up or invented.

somewhat concocted

Suggests that something has been elaborately created or invented.

a trifle artificial

Uses "trifle" to indicate a small degree of artificiality.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat contrived" to describe something that seems artificial or forced. For example, "The plot of the movie felt somewhat contrived, as the characters' motivations were not fully developed."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat contrived"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly artificial", "a bit forced", or "rather artificial" depending on the context.

Is "somewhat contrived" a formal or informal expression?

"Somewhat contrived" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in analytical or critical writing.

What does it mean when something is described as "somewhat contrived"?

When something is described as "somewhat contrived", it suggests that it seems planned or artificial to a degree, lacking genuine or natural qualities. It implies a mild sense of manipulation or inauthenticity.