this was contrived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was contrived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, idea, or event that seems artificially created or forced rather than natural or spontaneous. Example: "The plot twist in the movie felt like it was added just for shock value; this was contrived and detracted from the overall story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lots of this is contrived for dramatic effect.

The Washington Post

It's too bad the devices Dunmore uses to accomplish this are contrived.

The New York Times - Books

"This is contrived," said Mark H. Gitenstein, a Washington lawyer who represents the United States Chamber of Commerce, which backs legislation to let defendants move big interstate class actions to federal court.

The New York Times

Within BBC News there are those who see him as capable of being a bit nasty himself, and he has a reputation for having a difficult relationship with the BBC Business Editor Robert Peston (although it is never entirely clear whether this is contrived).

Independent

(Some of this is contrived: increased health-care coverage may well soften the sting of jobs lost to freer trade, but that is not why Mr Obama is pursuing it).The mercy of othersLaudable as most of these microeconomic moves are, rebalancing depends crucially on two macroeconomic levers Mr Obama either cannot or will not touch: interest rates and the dollar.

The Economist

C'mon, "AHS," this is contrived to the extreme; we know it's a set-up to have epic faceoffs between Fiona and Joan -- of which we got the first tonight).

Huffington Post

Macdonald understood how this culture was contrived and which buttons of vanity and insecurity it pushed so successfully; and he had no inhibitions about blowing it out of the water — a free-spirited attitude that gave his readers pleasure as well as a sense of self-justification.

The New Yorker

Following this, a formal cartel was contrived in 1996 and stricter controls were implemented.

The Economist

The coincidences that happened – if this was a fictional movie, people would say it was contrived.

Los Angeles Times

Nothing was contrived.

HuffPost

Nothing about it was contrived.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was contrived" when you want to emphasize that something lacks authenticity or is artificially created for a specific effect. It implies a degree of manipulation or lack of genuine substance.

Common error

Avoid using "this was contrived" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or objective tone is preferred. Instead, consider using alternatives like "artificially created" or "lacking naturalness" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was contrived" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a judgment about a situation, action, or object. It asserts that something was artificially created or manipulated, often implying a lack of authenticity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was contrived" is used to express that something feels artificial or deliberately created, lacking genuine substance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as grammatically correct and usable. While typically neutral in register, it may carry a slightly negative connotation. Examples from Ludwig highlight its use in critiquing plot devices or manipulated situations. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the implication of artificiality or manipulation. Consider alternatives like "this was artificial" for similar, yet potentially less critical, expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was artificial

Emphasizes the lack of naturalness or genuineness.

this was fabricated

Highlights that something was invented or made up.

this was staged

Suggests a deliberate arrangement for effect.

this was forced

Indicates that something was not natural or spontaneous.

this was unnatural

Highlights the deviation from what is considered normal or expected.

this was concocted

Suggests that something was invented or devised, often in a clever or dishonest way.

this was designed

Emphasizes the intent and planning behind something.

this was manufactured

Implies that something was artificially produced or created.

this was trumped up

Suggests that charges or accusations were falsely created.

this was planned

Highlights that something was prearranged and intentional.

FAQs

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

You can use "this was contrived" to indicate that something feels artificial, forced, or deliberately created for a specific effect. For example, "The plot twist felt unnatural; "this was contrived" and detracted from the story."

What are some alternatives to "this was contrived"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this was artificial", "this was fabricated", or "this was staged", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "this was contrived" a formal or informal expression?

"This was contrived" is generally considered a neutral expression, but it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation. In very formal contexts, consider using more objective language.

What does it mean when someone says "this was contrived"?

When someone says "this was contrived", they are suggesting that something was artificially created or manipulated, often implying a lack of genuineness or authenticity. The speaker often feels there was a deliberate intention behind the artificiality.