What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contracted
Example
I can't go to the party tonight. [contracted: verb]
Example
The athlete's muscles contracted during the workout. [contracted: adjective]
Example
The company contracted its operations to focus on core products. [contracted: verb]
condensed
Example
I read the condensed version of the novel to save time. [condensed: adjective]
Example
The chef used condensed milk in the recipe. [condensed: adjective]
Example
The presentation provided a condensed overview of the research findings. [condensed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Condensed is more commonly used than contracted in everyday language. Condensed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while contracted is less common and refers to specific types of reductions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contracted and condensed?
Both contracted and condensed are relatively formal words, often used in technical or scientific contexts. However, contracted may be perceived as more informal due to its association with contractions in language.
