apparent contradiction

USAGE SUMMARY

'apparent contradiction' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two ideas seem to be at odds with one another. For example: The CEO's public statement seemed to contain an apparent contradiction, as he claimed the company was doing well despite the recent layoffs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hence the apparent contradiction.

The Guardian

The apparent contradiction caught actuaries' attention.

The New York Times

His critics seized on the apparent contradiction.

The Economist

He did not explain the apparent contradiction.

The New York Times

But neither he nor military spokesmen reconciled the apparent contradiction.

The New York Times

And then they change back, with no apparent contradiction.

The New York Times - Arts

In part, the apparent contradiction reflects nothing more than timing.

The New York Times

Klein's compelling book immerses readers into that apparent contradiction.

The New York Times - Books

"Theodore Roosevelt: A Strenuous Life" illuminates this apparent contradiction.

The New York Times - Books

From that apparent contradiction can come an artistic breakthrough.

The New York Times - Arts

That's not the only apparent contradiction in the poll results.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apparent contradiction" to introduce a conflict or inconsistency that requires further examination or explanation. It signals that the contradiction may not be real or that it can be resolved with additional information.

Common error

Don't assume an "apparent contradiction" is automatically false. It may point to a genuine paradox or a more nuanced understanding of the situation. Investigate further before dismissing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apparent contradiction" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a situation or statement that seems to present conflicting elements. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, showcasing its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apparent contradiction" effectively introduces a perceived conflict or inconsistency that warrants further examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it signals a need for deeper analysis. When using the phrase, remember it indicates a potential, not necessarily actual, contradiction. Consider alternatives such as "seeming contradiction" for similar meanings. Always investigate before dismissing the phrase itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeming contradiction

Replaces "apparent" with "seeming", emphasizing the perceived but potentially unreal nature of the contradiction.

ostensible contradiction

Uses "ostensible" to highlight that the contradiction is presented as such, though it may not be genuine upon closer inspection.

superficial contradiction

Emphasizes that the contradiction is only on the surface and can be resolved with further analysis.

illusory contradiction

Highlights the deceptive nature of the contradiction, suggesting it's not truly there.

perceived inconsistency

Shifts focus to the perception of a lack of alignment, rather than a direct contradiction.

evident discrepancy

Highlights a clear difference or divergence that appears contradictory.

outward contradiction

Focuses on the external manifestation of the contradiction.

surface paradox

Indicates a statement or situation that appears self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth.

pseudo-contradiction

Emphasizes the false or misleading nature of the contradiction.

contrived contradiction

Implies that the contradiction is artificially created or forced.

FAQs

How can I use "apparent contradiction" in a sentence?

You can use "apparent contradiction" to introduce a statement that seems to conflict with another. For example, "There's an apparent contradiction in his words; he claims to support the policy, yet consistently votes against it."

What are some alternatives to "apparent contradiction"?

Consider using phrases such as "seeming contradiction", "evident discrepancy", or "perceived inconsistency" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to resolve an apparent contradiction?

While resolving an apparent contradiction is often desirable for clarity, sometimes the contradiction itself can be informative, highlighting complexities or underlying tensions within a system or argument.

What is the difference between "apparent contradiction" and "actual contradiction"?

"Apparent contradiction" suggests a conflict that may not be real or resolvable, whereas "actual contradiction" indicates a genuine and irreconcilable conflict. A deeper look is required to determine the true nature of the contradiction.