Artificial vs Contrived: Which Should You Use In Writing?

When it comes to language, choosing the right word can make all the difference. Two words that are often used interchangeably are artificial and contrived. But are they really the same thing? In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of these two words and determine which is the proper choice for certain situations.

Let’s define our terms. Artificial means something that is made or produced by humans, rather than occurring naturally. Contrived, on the other hand, means something that is deliberately created or planned, often in a way that seems forced or insincere.

While these definitions may seem similar at first glance, there is a subtle difference between the two. Artificial implies that something is not real or genuine, while contrived suggests that something is overly planned or staged.

So, when should you use one word over the other? That’s what we’ll explore in the rest of this article.

Define Artificial

Artificial refers to something that is created or produced by humans, rather than occurring naturally. It can also refer to something that is not genuine or authentic, but rather a manufactured or simulated version of the real thing.

For example, artificial flavors and colors are often added to processed foods to enhance their appearance and taste. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that focuses on creating machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Artificial can also refer to something that is not sincere or heartfelt, but rather forced or insincere. For instance, an artificial smile or laugh is one that is not genuine but rather put on for the sake of politeness or social convention.

Define Contrived

Contrived refers to something that has been deliberately created or arranged in a way that seems artificial or forced. It can also refer to something that is not natural or spontaneous, but rather planned or orchestrated.

For example, a contrived plot in a movie or novel is one that seems forced or unrealistic, with events that are too convenient or improbable. A contrived situation in real life might be one in which someone attempts to manipulate or stage a scenario for their own benefit or gain.

Contrived can also refer to something that is not authentic or genuine, but rather manufactured or fabricated. For instance, a contrived accent or persona is one that is not natural or authentic but rather put on for effect or to impress others.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “artificial” and “contrived” in a sentence.

How To Use “Artificial” In A Sentence

The word “artificial” is often used to describe something that is not natural or genuine. Here are some examples of how to use “artificial” in a sentence:

• The flowers in the vase were artificial.
• The company used artificial sweeteners in their products.
• The team’s success was attributed to their artificial turf field.

As you can see, “artificial” is often used to describe something that is not real or authentic. It can also be used to describe something that is man-made or synthetic.

How To Use “Contrived” In A Sentence

The word “contrived” is often used to describe something that is forced or artificial in a negative way. Here are some examples of how to use “contrived” in a sentence:

• The dialogue in the movie felt contrived and unnatural.
• The artist’s attempt at being edgy came across as contrived.
• The plot of the book seemed contrived and predictable.

As you can see, “contrived” is often used to describe something that feels forced or artificial in a negative way. It can also be used to describe something that is overly planned or designed.

More Examples Of Artificial & Contrived Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how the words “artificial” and “contrived” can be used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Artificial In A Sentence

• The flowers in the vase were artificial, but they looked real.
• The company used artificial intelligence to improve their customer service.
• The food at the restaurant tasted artificial, like it was made from chemicals.
• The actress’s smile looked artificial, as if she was forcing it.
• The tree in the lobby was artificial, but it added a nice touch to the decor.
• The color of the painting looked artificial, like it was computer-generated.
• The music in the elevator was artificial, like it was being played from a recording.
• The grass on the lawn was artificial, but it was difficult to tell from a distance.
• The flavor of the drink was artificial, like it was made from artificial sweeteners.
• The smile on the salesman’s face looked artificial, as if he was trying too hard to sell something.

Examples Of Using Contrived In A Sentence

• The plot of the movie seemed contrived, like it was trying too hard to be clever.
• The conversation between the characters felt contrived, like it was scripted.
• The smile on the politician’s face looked contrived, like it was for the cameras.
• The joke the comedian told was contrived, like it was forced and not funny.
• The ending of the book was contrived, like it was trying to wrap everything up too neatly.
• The setup for the experiment seemed contrived, like it was designed to produce a specific result.
• The dialogue in the play felt contrived, like it was trying too hard to be poetic.
• The reaction of the crowd seemed contrived, like they were being paid to cheer.
• The tone of the presentation was contrived, like it was trying to manipulate the audience.
• The scene in the movie felt contrived, like it was trying too hard to be emotional.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When discussing artificial and contrived, people often make the mistake of using these terms interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used synonymously. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

Mistake #1: Using Artificial And Contrived Interchangeably

Artificial refers to something that is made or produced by human beings, rather than occurring naturally. On the other hand, contrived refers to something that is forced or unnatural, often with the intention of impressing others. These two words are not interchangeable, as something can be artificial without being contrived, and vice versa.

For example, a plastic flower is artificial because it is made by humans, but it may not be considered contrived if it is used in a natural-looking arrangement. Conversely, a person who speaks in a fake accent to impress others is being contrived, but their accent may not be artificial if they learned it naturally.

Mistake #2: Using Artificial To Describe All Man-made Objects

While artificial does refer to man-made objects, it is important to note that not all man-made objects are artificial. For example, a wooden chair made by a carpenter is man-made, but it is not artificial because wood is a natural material. Similarly, a painting created by an artist is man-made, but it is not artificial because it is made from natural materials such as canvas and paint.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes:

• Take the time to understand the definitions of artificial and contrived before using them in your writing or speech.
• Consider the context in which you are using these words, and whether they accurately describe the object or situation you are referring to.
• Use specific examples to illustrate the difference between artificial and contrived.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between artificial and contrived, context is everything. While these two terms may seem interchangeable, they can have vastly different connotations depending on the situation in which they are used.

Artificial

Artificial typically refers to something that has been created by humans rather than occurring naturally. In some contexts, this can be seen as a positive attribute. For example, in the world of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is highly sought after. AI is designed to mimic human intelligence and can be used to automate processes and make decisions based on data analysis. In this context, artificial is a desirable quality as it implies precision and efficiency.

However, in other contexts, artificial can have negative connotations. For instance, when it comes to food, artificial flavors and preservatives are often seen as unhealthy and undesirable. In this case, artificial is associated with something that is fake or unhealthy.

Contrived

Contrived, on the other hand, is often used to describe something that has been created in an artificial or forced way. In some contexts, this can be seen as negative. For example, in the world of literature, a contrived plot is one that feels forced or unrealistic. In this context, contrived is associated with something that is inauthentic or lacking in creativity.

However, in other contexts, contrived can be seen as a desirable quality. For instance, in the world of interior design, a contrived space is one that has been intentionally designed to create a specific atmosphere or mood. In this case, contrived is associated with something that is deliberate and intentional.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between artificial and contrived might change:

Context	Artificial vs Contrived
Technology	Artificial is desirable as it implies precision and efficiency
Food	Artificial is negative as it is associated with something that is fake or unhealthy
Literature	Contrived is negative as it is associated with something that is inauthentic or lacking in creativity
Interior Design	Contrived is desirable as it is associated with something that is deliberate and intentional

As you can see, the choice between artificial and contrived can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the connotations of each term and how they will be perceived by your audience before making a choice.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the use of artificial and contrived is generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where the rules might not apply. Here are a few examples:

1. Technical Writing

In technical writing, the use of artificial and contrived might not be as clear-cut. Technical writing often involves using specialized terminology and jargon that might not be familiar to the average reader. In these cases, it might be more appropriate to use technical terms that are specific to the subject matter. For example, in a technical manual for a piece of machinery, it might be more appropriate to use the term “synthetic lubricant” instead of “artificial oil.”

2. Creative Writing

In creative writing, the rules for using artificial and contrived might be more fluid. Creative writers often use language in unconventional ways to create a particular effect or mood. In these cases, the use of artificial and contrived might depend on the author’s intent. For example, a poet might use the term “artificial flowers” to create a sense of artificiality and insincerity in a poem.

3. Colloquial Language

In colloquial language, the rules for using artificial and contrived might not be as strict. Colloquial language often involves using slang and informal language that might not adhere to standard grammatical rules. In these cases, the use of artificial and contrived might be less important than conveying the intended meaning. For example, in a casual conversation, someone might use the term “fake leather” instead of “contrived leather.”

Overall, while the rules for using artificial and contrived are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where the context and intent might dictate the appropriate usage.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the difference between artificial and contrived, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help improve your understanding and usage of these words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence:

1. The ___________ intelligence in the robot allowed it to complete tasks without human intervention.
2. The movie’s plot felt ___________ and predictable.
3. The artist’s use of ___________ colors created a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere.
4. The politician’s speech was criticized for its ___________ and rehearsed delivery.

Answer Key:

1. artificial
2. contrived
3. artificial
4. contrived

Exercise 2: Sentence Rewrites

Rewrite the following sentences using either artificial or contrived:

1. The company’s attempt to create a more diverse workplace felt forced and unnatural.
2. The actress’s performance was so rehearsed that it lacked authenticity.
3. The scientist’s research involved creating an ___________ intelligence that could mimic human behavior.
4. The writer’s use of ___________ dialogue made the characters feel unrealistic.

Answer Key:

1. The company’s attempt to create a more diverse workplace felt contrived.
2. The actress’s performance was so artificial that it lacked authenticity.
3. The scientist’s research involved creating an artificial intelligence that could mimic human behavior.
4. The writer’s use of contrived dialogue made the characters feel unrealistic.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between artificial and contrived language, it is clear that both terms have their own unique characteristics and uses. Artificial language is intentionally created for a specific purpose, such as Esperanto for international communication or computer programming languages for software development. On the other hand, contrived language may arise naturally from a group of people who share a common interest or profession, such as medical jargon or legal terminology.

It is important to note that neither artificial nor contrived language is inherently good or bad. It depends on the context and purpose of the language use. For instance, artificial languages can be helpful in facilitating communication between people who speak different native languages, while contrived language can be useful in conveying complex ideas within a specific field.

As language users, it is important to be aware of the different types of language and their characteristics. By understanding the nuances of artificial and contrived language, we can better appreciate the diversity and complexity of human communication.

Key Takeaways:

• Artificial language is intentionally created for a specific purpose, while contrived language may arise naturally from a group of people who share a common interest or profession.
• Neither artificial nor contrived language is inherently good or bad, but it depends on the context and purpose of the language use.
• Understanding the nuances of different types of language can help us better appreciate the diversity and complexity of human communication.

Finally, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve our own communication skills. Whether it is through reading books, taking courses, or practicing writing, we can all benefit from a deeper understanding of language.