unnatural setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unnatural setting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an environment or context that feels artificial or not in harmony with nature or reality. Example: "The film's climax took place in an unnatural setting, with neon lights and synthetic landscapes that felt out of place."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As the world moves toward raising the majority of animals in the unnatural setting of factory farms, it is likely that more, and worse, such pathogens will arise.

The New York Times

Some neuroimaging techniques have limitations in that the measurement makes the subjects uncomfortable in an unnatural setting, e.g., lying in a supine position in a narrow gantry and fixing the head during the entire examination.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This, in any case, would amount to allowing just about any scattered and unnatural set of factors to count as common causes, thereby trivializing common cause principles.

SEP

Since human communication is complex and multidimensional, it is difficult to study in an unnatural experimental setting.

Journal of Fluency Disorders

I remember looking up at one point, after passing a cup of coffee to a fireman, and admiring the filigreed beauty of the exoskeleton of the south tower, rising eight stories above the rubble, strangely lacy and delicate in the unnatural, movie-set light.

The Guardian - Books

When you see software as the most valuable component of the system, you start treating it differently and you set up unnatural barriers, such as lack of source code or no redistribution, that you wouldn't otherwise.

Forbes

Whole Foods' stock spiked an unnatural 9% on July 8, on what appeared to be a minor news item, setting up a potential thinning out of its shares.

Forbes

Something new and different is going to be needed to provide that unnatural and transgressive lurch that sets the narrative in motion.

The Guardian - Film

We were not discussing the fate of people we knew and loved, we were not seeing these people portrayed in a normal light on television... we were evaluating the fate of an unknown mass of people who had gone out of their way to choose an "unnatural", "sinful" path that would set the United States on a course for destruction.

Huffington Post

Those whose natural quotidian clocks have the alarm set permanently on the unnatural hour of "dawn" may simply require a simple nod to their industriousness.

The New York Times

Mr. Schlemmer described how it feels to set sail: "It's very unnatural to be sitting in the water in a car.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unnatural setting", consider the specific connotations you want to evoke. Is it about artificiality, ethical concerns, or a sense of unease? Choose examples carefully.

Common error

Avoid using "unnatural setting" simply to add drama or negative connotation. Instead, focus on providing specific details about what makes the setting unnatural and why it matters. For example, instead of saying "The experiment was conducted in an unnatural setting", specify that "The experiment was conducted in a sterile laboratory with no natural light", making the description more impactful and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unnatural setting" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a location or environment that deviates from what is considered normal or natural. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in describing factory farms and experimental setups.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

60%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unnatural setting" is a phrase used to describe environments that deviate from what is considered normal or natural. Ludwig shows it is often used to evoke a sense of artificiality, unease, or ethical concern, particularly in news and scientific contexts. Alternatives like "artificial environment" or "contrived situation" can be used to convey similar meanings, but it's essential to consider the specific connotations you want to evoke. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare, its impact lies in its ability to highlight the contrast between the natural and the man-made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

artificial environment

Focuses on the artificiality of the environment, highlighting human construction or alteration.

contrived situation

Emphasizes the deliberate and artificial nature of the situation.

simulated environment

Highlights that the environment is a copy or imitation of a real one.

synthetic surroundings

Stresses the use of man-made materials and processes in the environment.

fabricated scenario

Focuses on the constructed and often deceptive nature of the scenario.

altered reality

Highlights that the reality has been modified from its original state.

unrealistic backdrop

Emphasizes the lack of realism and authenticity in the background.

inharmonious surrounding

Focuses on the lack of harmony and balance in the surroundings.

anomalous landscape

Highlights the unusual or irregular nature of the landscape.

atypical circumstance

Emphasizes the unusual or non-standard nature of the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I describe something similar to an "unnatural setting"?

You could use phrases like "artificial environment", "contrived situation", or "simulated environment" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as an "unnatural setting"?

It typically implies that the environment or context deviates from what is considered normal, natural, or expected. This deviation can be due to artificiality, manipulation, or other factors that make it feel out of place or unsettling.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "unnatural setting"?

The phrase is appropriate when discussing environments that feel artificial, manipulated, or out of sync with nature or expected norms. This can apply to scientific experiments, dystopian settings in fiction, or even business practices that create "artificial scarcity".

Is there a difference between "unnatural setting" and "artificial setting"?

While similar, "unnatural setting" often carries a stronger connotation of unease or ethical concern, implying a departure from what is inherently right or normal. "Artificial setting" is a more neutral description of a man-made or simulated environment.