What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contextualize
Example
To fully understand the poem, we need to contextualize it within the historical and cultural context of the time. [contextualize: verb]
Example
The professor provided a detailed explanation to contextualize the theory for the students. [contextualizing: gerund or present participle]
frame
Example
The media often frames political events in a particular way to influence public opinion. [frame: verb]
Example
The author used a unique framing device to tell the story from multiple perspectives. [framing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frame is more commonly used than contextualize in everyday language. Frame is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while contextualize is less common and often used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contextualize and frame?
Contextualize is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, while frame can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
