are contradictory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are contradictory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two or more statements, ideas, or beliefs that are in conflict with each other. Example: "The two reports are contradictory, leading to confusion about the project's status."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many are contradictory.

The New Yorker

They are contradictory.

The New Yorker

The answers are contradictory.

The New York Times

Witness accounts are contradictory.

The New York Times

My feelings are contradictory.

The Guardian - Books

Some are contradictory.

The Guardian - Books

These goals are contradictory.

The Washington Post

The other two are contradictory.

The Economist

Third, the arguments are contradictory.

The Guardian - Opinion

So its messages are contradictory.

The Guardian

Symptoms are contradictory, test results equivocal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are contradictory" to point out inconsistencies in data, arguments, or behaviors, adding clarity to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "are contradictory" when comparing items that are merely different, not directly opposing each other. Ensure a clear, logical opposition exists before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are contradictory" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject (e.g., findings, statements) as being in opposition or disagreement. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting inconsistencies or conflicts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

56%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are contradictory" is a versatile and commonly used expression, predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to highlight disagreements or inconsistencies between statements, findings, or ideas. While grammatically sound, it's important to ensure that the items being compared are genuinely opposed to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "are inconsistent" or "are in conflict" can be used for similar effects. Understanding the appropriate usage of "are contradictory" helps writers to express complex ideas with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are inconsistent

Emphasizes a lack of uniformity or agreement between different elements.

are in conflict

Highlights a direct opposition or clash between different elements.

are at odds

Suggests a state of disagreement or opposition.

are incompatible

Indicates that different elements cannot coexist or function together harmoniously.

are irreconcilable

Stresses the impossibility of resolving the differences between different elements.

are mutually exclusive

Highlights that different elements cannot both be true or valid.

are paradoxical

Suggests that the elements involve a self-contradictory statement or situation.

are divergent

Indicates that different elements are moving in different directions or expressing different opinions.

are opposing

Emphasizes that the elements are actively working against each other.

are clashing

Suggests a strong disagreement or confrontation.

FAQs

How can I use "are contradictory" in a sentence?

Use "are contradictory" to describe statements, ideas, or results that disagree with each other. For instance, "The findings of the two studies "are contradictory", making it difficult to draw a firm conclusion".

What's a good alternative to "are contradictory"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "are contradictory" include "are inconsistent", "are in conflict", or "are at odds".

Is it appropriate to use "are contradictory" in formal writing?

Yes, "are contradictory" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe conflicting information, especially in academic or business contexts.

How do I avoid misusing "are contradictory"?

Ensure that the items being compared are genuinely opposed, not just different. "Different approaches" may not be contradictory, but "opposing viewpoints" often "are contradictory".