Contrive vs Contrived: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Have you ever found yourself confused between the words contrive and contrived? You’re not alone. While these two words may seem similar, they have distinct meanings that are important to understand. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between contrive and contrived, and when to use each one.

Let’s define the two words. Contrive is a verb that means to plan or devise a scheme or plot. Contrived, on the other hand, is an adjective that describes something that has been created or arranged in a way that seems artificial or forced.

So, which one is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context. If you’re talking about coming up with a plan or scheme, then contrive is the correct word to use. For example, “I need to contrive a way to get out of this situation.” On the other hand, if you’re describing something that seems artificial or forced, then contrived is the appropriate word. For example, “The actor’s performance was contrived and lacked authenticity.”

Now that we’ve defined the two words and clarified their meanings, let’s dive deeper into when to use each one. In the following sections, we’ll explore various scenarios where contrive and contrived might be used, and provide examples to illustrate their usage.

Contrive

Contrive is a verb that means to plan or devise a scheme or plot, often with the intention of achieving something that is not straightforward or honest. It involves coming up with a plan or idea through careful thought and ingenuity. The word contrive is often used in a positive sense, especially when referring to creative problem-solving or inventive solutions.

Contrived

Contrived is an adjective that describes something that has been created or arranged in a way that seems artificial or forced. It suggests that something has been manufactured or fabricated in an unnatural way, often with the intention of deceiving or manipulating others. The term contrived is often used in a negative sense, particularly when referring to art, literature, or other forms of creative expression that lack authenticity or originality.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word can make a significant difference in the meaning and impact of a sentence. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “contrive” and “contrived” in a sentence.

How To Use “Contrive” In A Sentence

The word “contrive” is often used to describe the act of creating or devising something in a clever or inventive way. Here are some examples of how to use “contrive” in a sentence:

• She was able to contrive a plan to save the company from bankruptcy.
• The chef was able to contrive a delicious meal from just a few simple ingredients.
• He was able to contrive a way to sneak out of the house without his parents noticing.

As you can see from the examples, “contrive” is often used to describe a creative solution to a problem or situation.

How To Use “Contrived” In A Sentence

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

• The dialogue in the movie felt contrived and unnatural.
• The plot of the book was contrived and lacked originality.
• Her smile seemed contrived and insincere.

As you can see from the examples, “contrived” is often used to describe something that feels fake or forced, and lacks authenticity.

By understanding the difference between “contrive” and “contrived,” you can choose the right word to convey the exact meaning you intend in your writing.

More Examples Of Contrive & Contrived Used In Sentences

Here are some additional examples of how to use the words contrive and contrived in sentences:

Examples Of Using Contrive In A Sentence

• He had to contrive a plan to escape from the prison.
• She managed to contrive a way to get the job done on time.
• He will contrive to make it look like an accident.
• She tried to contrive a reason to leave the party early.
• He was able to contrive a solution to the problem.
• She had to contrive an excuse to avoid going to the meeting.
• He contrived a clever scheme to get out of paying his taxes.
• She had to contrive a plan to get her children to eat their vegetables.
• He contrived a way to get the information he needed without anyone knowing.
• She had to contrive a story to explain her absence.

Examples Of Using Contrived In A Sentence

• The plot of the movie seemed too contrived.
• Her smile looked contrived and insincere.
• The dialogue in the play felt contrived and forced.
• His attempt to be funny was contrived and fell flat.
• The ending of the book was contrived and unsatisfying.
• Their conversation was contrived and lacked authenticity.
• The product placement in the movie was contrived and distracting.
• The romantic subplot in the story felt contrived and unnecessary.
• The character’s sudden change of heart seemed contrived and unbelievable.
• The twist in the plot was contrived and predictable.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words contrive and contrived, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, this is not correct as they have different meanings and usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Contrived As A Synonym For Contrive

One of the most common mistakes is using contrived as a synonym for contrive. Contrive means to plan or devise something in a clever or skillful way, while contrived means artificial or forced. Using contrived instead of contrive can change the intended meaning of a sentence, making it sound awkward or unnatural.

Incorrect: She contrived a plan to win the game, but it seemed contrived.

Correct: She contrived a plan to win the game, but it seemed forced or unnatural.

Using Contrive In The Wrong Context

Another common mistake is using contrive in the wrong context. Contrive is often used in a positive or neutral context, while contrived is used in a negative context. Using contrive in a negative context can change the meaning of a sentence, making it sound confusing or unclear.

Incorrect: He contrived to ruin her reputation.

Correct: He contrived a plan to win her heart.

Using Contrive As A Noun

Contrive is a verb, not a noun. Using contrive as a noun can make a sentence sound awkward or confusing.

Incorrect: Her contrive was successful.

Correct: Her plan was successful.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Use contrive when referring to planning or devising something cleverly or skillfully.
• Use contrived when referring to something that is artificial or forced.
• Pay attention to the context in which the words are being used.
• Avoid using contrive as a noun.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words contrive and contrived can be a tricky task, as their usage depends heavily on the context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of each word and their respective connotations is crucial in selecting the right word to convey the intended meaning.

Examples Of Different Contexts

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

Context	Contrive	Contrived
Plotting a Scheme	He contrived a plan to steal the jewels.	The contrived scheme fell apart when they were caught.
Creating Art	The artist contrived a beautiful sculpture from scrap metal.	The contrived artwork felt forced and lacked authenticity.
Engineering a Solution	The engineer contrived a new system to increase efficiency.	The contrived solution was overly complicated and impractical.

In each of these examples, the choice between contrive and contrived changes the tone and meaning of the sentence. Using contrive implies a sense of creativity and ingenuity, while using contrived suggests a sense of artificiality or manipulation.

It is important to consider the context and intended meaning when deciding between these two words, as using the wrong one can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using contrive and contrived are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where their usage might not be so clear-cut. Here are some examples:

1. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions where the use of contrive or contrived might not follow the usual rules. For instance, the phrase “contrive to do something” is a common idiom that means to make an effort to achieve something, even if it requires some creativity or ingenuity. In this case, the word “contrive” is used as a verb, but it doesn’t necessarily imply anything negative or artificial. Here are some examples:

• He contrived to make the deadline, even though he had to work all night.
• She contrived to get a ticket to the sold-out concert.
• They contrived to escape from the prison by digging a tunnel.

Similarly, the phrase “contrived situation” can also be used idiomatically to refer to a situation that seems artificial or forced, but not necessarily in a negative sense. For example:

• The party had a contrived atmosphere, with too much decoration and not enough conversation.
• The movie’s plot felt contrived, with too many coincidences and plot twists.
• The play’s ending was contrived, with a sudden twist that didn’t make sense.

2. Technical Usage

In some technical fields, such as engineering or computer science, the words contrive and contrived might have a more specific or technical meaning that doesn’t necessarily follow the usual rules. For example, in engineering, the term “contrived structure” might refer to a structure that is designed to have a specific shape or function, even if it looks unconventional or artificial. Similarly, in computer science, the term “contrived algorithm” might refer to an algorithm that is designed to solve a specific problem, even if it’s not the most efficient or elegant solution. Here are some examples:

Field	Example
Engineering	The bridge’s contrived design made it resistant to earthquakes.
Computer Science	The contrived algorithm solved the problem, but it was slow and inefficient.

It’s important to note that these technical usages might not be common outside of their specific fields, and might not follow the usual rules for using contrive and contrived in everyday language.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the difference between contrive and contrived, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences. Make sure to read each sentence carefully and choose the correct word to fill in the blank. We have also included answer keys or explanations for each exercise to help you check your work.

Exercise 1:

Despite her best efforts to __________ a believable excuse, her teacher saw right through her lies.

• Contrive
• Contrived

Answer: Contrive

Explanation: In this sentence, the word contrive means to come up with or invent something, specifically an excuse. The word contrived would not make sense in this context.

Exercise 2:

The movie’s plot felt __________, as if the writers had forced the story to fit a certain mold.

• Contrive
• Contrived

Answer: Contrived

Explanation: In this sentence, the word contrived means artificial or forced. The word contrive would not make sense in this context.

Exercise 3:

He was able to __________ a plan that would allow him to finish all of his work before the deadline.

• Contrive
• Contrived

Answer: Contrive

Explanation: In this sentence, the word contrive means to come up with or devise a plan. The word contrived would not make sense in this context.

Exercise 4:

The artist had __________ a beautiful sculpture out of scrap metal.

• Contrive
• Contrived

Answer: Contrived

Explanation: In this sentence, the word contrived would not make sense. The word contrived means artificial or forced, and it would not make sense to describe a sculpture as being contrived. The word contrive would be a better fit in this context.

Exercise 5:

She had __________ a clever scheme to surprise her friend on her birthday.

• Contrive
• Contrived

Answer: Contrived

Explanation: In this sentence, the word contrived means planned or arranged in advance. The word contrive would not make sense in this context.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of contrive and contrived in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and choose the word that fits best. With enough practice, you will be able to use these words confidently and correctly.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between contrive and contrived, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Contrive refers to the act of planning or scheming, while contrived refers to something that is artificial or forced.

It is important to pay attention to the nuances of language and use words correctly in order to communicate effectively. By using the correct word in the correct context, we can avoid confusion and ensure that our message is clear.

To continue improving your grammar and language use, consider exploring resources such as grammar guides, style manuals, and vocabulary-building tools. By continuing to learn and refine our language skills, we can become more effective communicators and better express our ideas and thoughts.