What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contingent
Example
The success of the project is contingent upon securing funding. [contingent: adjective]
Example
The company sent a contingent of employees to attend the conference. [contingent: noun]
provisional
Example
The team made a provisional plan until they received more information. [provisional: adjective]
Example
The agreement was only provisional and needed further negotiation. [provisional: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Provisional is more commonly used than contingent in everyday language. Provisional is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while contingent is less common and typically used in formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contingent and provisional?
Contingent is typically associated with a formal tone and is commonly used in business or political contexts. Provisional is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
