a rather paradoxical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather paradoxical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, statement, or concept that contains contradictory elements or seems to defy logic. Example: "The idea that we can be both free and constrained by societal norms is a rather paradoxical notion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This is a rather paradoxical formulation.

The New Yorker

A rather paradoxical position for the party that poses as tribune of the working man.

The Washington Post

Egypt once again found itself in a rather paradoxical state.

BBC

Is it the case that there are essences in some of being, such as humanity, that wait for a divine agent to actualize and individuate them through the bestowal of existence, an essentialist doctrine that posits a rather paradoxical existence of an essence before it comes to exist?

SEP

And, all things considered, he doesn't sound boastful, he sounds about right: In a rather paradoxical way, through its sheer existence and of course through its commendable work in favor of the Santorini community, throughout the year, Atlantis manages to be both an actual pole of attraction and a balancing force to the touristy character of the place.

Huffington Post

We thus have a rather paradoxical effect of a reasonably successful introduction of the SSC intervention but no major cultural impact.

British Journal of Anaesthesia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Monday's expulsions are yet another data point in a growing, rather paradoxical reality, in which Trump as an individual continues to act glaringly conciliatory to Putin, yet his Administration repeatedly takes measures that are arguably more hostile to Putin than those enacted under Obama.

The New Yorker

According to this rather paradoxical view, meaning, a property which characterizes the abstract side of the knowledge spectrum, is strongly coupled with context which, by definition, is a feature of the reality side of the knowledge spectrum.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Our own treatment of the updating process modifies this rather paradoxical result by revealing a wider spectrum of limiting behavior for the social interaction matrix which does not reproduce the suspiciously simple convergence pattern predicted by Pan.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

These rather paradoxical practices work on several different principles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's rather paradoxical that the E.P.A. chooses to embrace embedded regulatory costs while releasing embedded pollution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rather paradoxical" to introduce a statement or situation that contains seemingly contradictory aspects. This can create intrigue and encourage deeper consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "a rather paradoxical" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or alternative phrasing to express contradictory ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rather paradoxical" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing a noun or situation as containing contradictory or seemingly illogical elements. Ludwig AI validates its correct grammatical usage, evident in various example sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rather paradoxical" is a grammatically sound adjectival phrase employed to highlight contradictions or unexpected elements within various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific publications, showcasing a neutral to formal register. While effective, it should be used judiciously to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "somewhat contradictory" or "quite ironic" to diversify your writing. Remember, the goal is to intrigue and encourage deeper thinking by pointing out inherent contradictions in a clear and impactful way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch paradoxical

Uses "touch" to subtly soften paradoxical nature of something.

somewhat contradictory

Emphasizes the conflicting nature of the elements involved.

quite ironic

Highlights the contrast between expectation and reality.

slightly inconsistent

Focuses on the lack of agreement between different aspects.

rather conflicting

Underscores the opposition between ideas or elements.

a bit self-contradictory

Implies that the subject inherently contains opposing elements.

somewhat self-defeating

Suggests the subject undermines its own purpose or goals.

a little counterintuitive

Indicates that the subject goes against what one might expect.

slightly anomalous

Highlights the subject's deviation from the norm or standard.

somewhat incongruous

Focuses on the lack of harmony or compatibility.

FAQs

How can I use "a rather paradoxical" in a sentence?

Use "a rather paradoxical" to introduce a situation or idea that contains elements that contradict each other or seem illogical. For example: "It's "a rather paradoxical situation", where increased efforts lead to decreased results."

What are some alternatives to "a rather paradoxical"?

You can use alternatives such as "somewhat contradictory", "quite ironic", or "slightly inconsistent" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a rather paradoxical situation"?

Yes, "a rather paradoxical situation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a situation with contradictory elements.

What's the difference between "a rather paradoxical" and "a completely paradoxical"?

"A rather paradoxical" implies a degree of paradox, while "a completely paradoxical" suggests the paradox is absolute and without exception. The former is milder and allows for some level of logical consistency, the latter does not.