What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
machinate
Example
The group of rebels machinated a plan to overthrow the government. [machinated: past tense]
Example
She spent months machinating a scheme to take over the company. [machinating: present participle]
plot
Example
The detective uncovered a plot to rob the bank. [plot: noun]
Example
She plotted her revenge against her ex-husband for months. [plotted: past tense]
Example
The graph plots the correlation between temperature and humidity. [plots: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plot is more commonly used than machinate in everyday language. Plot is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while machinate is less common and more formal, often used in legal or political contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between machinate and plot?
Machinate is more formal than plot and is often used in legal or political contexts. Plot is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.