apparently contradictory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apparently contradictory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or statement that seems to conflict with itself or with other information, but may not actually be contradictory upon closer examination. Example: "The results of the study were apparently contradictory, leading researchers to investigate further."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's take two recent, apparently contradictory examples.

The Guardian - Film

The model results explain previous apparently contradictory experimental observations.

Chemical Engineering Science

What Einstein did was to accept both apparently contradictory principles.

The Telegraph

But these apparently contradictory trends may be related.

The Economist

What to make of these apparently contradictory findings?

The Economist

The cause of this apparently contradictory behavior lies in the combined action of four influences: 1).

Advances in Space Research

These apparently contradictory results are explained on the basis of source limited deformation.

Acta Materialia

Would this difference in behaviour result in the apparently contradictory archaeological record which has been created?

Journal of Anthropological Archaeology

How these 2 apparently contradictory perspectives can sit together merits further investigation.

Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research

This is apparently contradictory to the conventional beliefs about the pond.

Energy Conversion and Management

These apparently contradictory results are tentatively explained by the equilibrated character of hydrolysis.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apparently contradictory" to introduce elements that seem to oppose each other at first glance but might be reconciled with further analysis. It invites the reader to consider a deeper understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "apparently contradictory" when there is an obvious and irreconcilable conflict. The phrase suggests a potential resolution or a more nuanced perspective is possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apparently contradictory" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. It serves to qualify a noun or noun phrase, indicating that something appears contradictory but might not actually be so. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apparently contradictory" is a versatile tool for introducing seeming inconsistencies that require further scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains. While alternatives like "seemingly contradictory" or "ostensibly contradictory" offer subtle nuances, "apparently contradictory" remains a common and effective choice. Remember to use it when a conflict seems present but might resolve upon closer inspection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seemingly contradictory

Replaces "apparently" with "seemingly", suggesting the contradiction is based on initial appearance.

ostensibly contradictory

Uses "ostensibly" to imply the contradiction is presented as true but might not be.

on the surface contradictory

Highlights that the contradiction is evident from a superficial perspective.

outwardly contradictory

Focuses on the external appearance of contradiction.

superficially contradictory

Similar to "on the surface", indicating a lack of deeper conflict.

facially contradictory

Indicates a contradiction based on the face value of the information.

apparently conflicting

Substitutes "contradictory" with "conflicting", broadening the sense to include disagreement or incompatibility.

seemingly paradoxical

Emphasizes the contradictory nature as a paradox, implying a deeper truth.

ostensibly paradoxical

Combines the nuances of "ostensibly" and "paradoxical".

apparently inconsistent

Shifts the focus to a lack of consistency rather than direct contradiction.

FAQs

How to use "apparently contradictory" in a sentence?

Use "apparently contradictory" to describe situations or statements that seem to present conflicting aspects, inviting further examination to understand the underlying truth or reconciliation. For example: "The study's results were "apparently contradictory", requiring more analysis to interpret the findings."

What can I say instead of "apparently contradictory"?

You can use alternatives like "seemingly contradictory", "ostensibly contradictory", or "apparently inconsistent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "apparently contradictory" or "patently contradictory"?

"Apparently contradictory" suggests a contradiction that is not necessarily real upon closer inspection, while "patently contradictory" indicates a clear and obvious contradiction. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual nature of the conflict.

What's the difference between "apparently contradictory" and "mutually exclusive"?

"Apparently contradictory" implies a surface-level conflict that might be resolved, whereas "mutually exclusive" describes elements that fundamentally cannot coexist or both be true.