a duality of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a duality of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the existence of two contrasting or complementary elements within a particular context. Example: "The novel explores a duality of good and evil, showcasing the complexity of human nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Recently it has taken on a duality of meaning.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a duality of thinking here and I think most Jews in Israel feel this way.

The Washington Post

He earns loyalty and keeps it". Raul Castro has a "duality of personality," Latell said, "a harsh, brutal, cruel side and a lesser-known sympathetic and compassionate side.

The Washington Post

Moreover, she said, the large number of executives means "there's a duality of audiences -- you have consumers, but you also have decision makers".

The New York Times

The survey found a duality of social identities emerging within the black middle class which could no longer be perceived as a single cohort.

Habitat International

The novel, as a duality of thing and attitude-toward-thing, has so thoroughly transformed our attitude that the thing itself is at risk of no longer being needed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

To distinguish between the two types of activation, comparing stimulus processing of different origins from a duality-of-mind perspective is crucial.

Behavior Research Methods

This phenomenon this fact of a pervasive duality of meanings for 'object' carries with it a significant potential for still other confusions or conflations over potentially distinct high-level logico-semantic categories.

SEP

This relationship means developing countries suffer a sharp duality of burden.

The Guardian

There is a certain duality of character at play there that I think is beautiful and tragic.

The New Yorker

Most of the developments associated with theoretical grammar grew out of philosophy and criticism; and in these developments a repeated duality of themes crosses and intertwines.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a duality of" to highlight contrasting or complementary aspects within a single concept or entity, adding depth and complexity to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "a duality of" when a simpler term like "pair" or "two" would suffice. This phrase is most effective when conveying inherent complexity or tension between two aspects, not just describing the presence of two separate things.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a duality of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig indicates this phrase describes the presence of two contrasting or complementary elements within a particular context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a duality of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that serves to emphasize two coexisting elements, as affirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly utilized across science, news media, and encyclopedic contexts, this phrase enriches descriptions with depth and complexity. While phrases like "a dichotomy of" and "a pair of" provide alternatives, "a duality of" excels when conveying inherent tension and complexity. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations beyond simple enumeration, enhancing the sophistication of your expression. Ludwig's analysis underscores its versatility and appropriateness across diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dual nature of

This emphasizes the inherent characteristic of having two distinct qualities or forms within something.

a dichotomy of

This alternative implies a clear division into two mutually exclusive categories, suggesting a sharper contrast than "a duality of".

a binary opposition of

This phrase is more formal and academic, highlighting the contrast between two opposing concepts or forces.

two sides of

This suggests contrasting aspects of the same thing, often implying a conflict or tension between them.

a Janus-faced quality of

This uses a mythological reference to describe something that presents two contrasting appearances or aspects.

a twofold aspect of

This stresses the two different elements that constitute the aspect, underlining their roles.

a double-edged attribute of

Implies the existence of two opposite effects that can both produce different kinds of results.

a pair of

This alternative is more straightforward and less nuanced, simply indicating two items or aspects existing together.

a complementary pair of

Highlights how two elements work together, despite being related but distinct.

a twin characteristic of

Suggests two inherent traits of the subject.

FAQs

How can "a duality of" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "a duality of" is used to describe situations where two different aspects or qualities coexist. For example, "The project presents "a duality of" innovation and tradition".

What's the difference between "a duality of" and "a dichotomy of"?

"A duality of" suggests two coexisting aspects, while "a dichotomy of" implies a division into two mutually exclusive categories. The former is less rigid than the latter.

Which is a more appropriate term, "a duality of" or "a pair of"?

Use "a pair of" for simple enumeration of two items. Use "a duality of" to suggest contrasting or complementary natures working together.

Are there other alternatives to "a duality of"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a dual nature of", "two sides of", or "a twofold aspect of".