What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
conspired
Example
The group conspired to rob the bank. [conspired: past tense]
Example
The conspirators met in secret to plan their next move. [conspirators: noun]
contrive
Example
She contrived a way to get out of the difficult situation. [contrived: past tense]
Example
He contrived a plan to surprise his wife on their anniversary. [contrived: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contrive is less common than conspire in everyday language. Conspire is often used in news reports, crime dramas, and political contexts, while contrive is more commonly used in creative writing or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between conspired and contrive?
Both conspire and contrive are formal words, but conspire is often associated with negative connotations and is typically used in more serious or dramatic contexts, while contrive is more neutral and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
