are mutually contradictory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are mutually contradictory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more statements or ideas that cannot both be true at the same time. Example: "The two theories presented in the paper are mutually contradictory, leading to confusion among the readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Does it follow that brevity and well-balanced history are mutually contradictory?

The New York Times - Books

Blustein points out that the most popular solutions to the I.M.F.'s problems are as impractical as they are mutually contradictory.

The New York Times - Books

Pinter knows the cliché – the muscular sadist – and instead gives us two dapper types, differentiating and making discriminations: "The terms are mutually contradictory".

The Guardian - Books

The court sent the ozone standard back to the agency for a new implementation plan, one that must take account of two provisions of the Clean Air Act that in some respects are mutually contradictory.

The New York Times

His hero destroys himself because he is a young man of spirit and, like many other young men of spirit (and plenty of old ones, too), he wants objectives which are mutually contradictory.

The Guardian

However, the above three design goals are mutually contradictory and not simultaneously satisfied in practical applications.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The verdict is mutually contradictory.

The Guardian

Street photography and monumentality would seem to be mutually contradictory, but in his art they coexist.

The New York Times

This, in turn, was used to further all sorts of outrageous notions, some of which were mutually contradictory: the Tzarnaevs were double agents; the bombing was a "false flag" attack staged by the government as part of its ongoing campaign to create a police state; the bombing was faked and the victims and first responders were actors; marathon organizers knew about the attack beforehand.

The New Yorker

However, different capabilities may be mutually contradictory as it is hard to determine how many subarrays are required and what shape they must have.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Did the villagers who make up a large percent of Afghans want a centralized government with priorities that could be mutually contradictory?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are mutually contradictory", ensure that the items being compared truly present a logical impossibility if both are asserted as true. Avoid using it for simple differences of opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "are mutually contradictory" to describe differing opinions or preferences. This phrase is best reserved for situations where a genuine logical conflict exists, not simply a disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are mutually contradictory" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject whose components present a logical impossibility if affirmed simultaneously. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are mutually contradictory" effectively describes statements or ideas that cannot simultaneously be true. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable, and its common usage spans news, scientific writing, and general discourse. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure a genuine logical conflict exists rather than a simple difference in opinion. Alternatives such as "are logically inconsistent" or "contradict each other" offer similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis. The prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradict each other

A more direct and simple way of stating the contradiction.

are mutually exclusive

Highlights the impossibility of both being true or valid.

are logically inconsistent

Emphasizes a formal, logical contradiction between ideas.

are diametrically opposed

Highlights the extreme opposition between two things.

are inherently incompatible

Focuses on the fundamental impossibility of coexistence.

are in direct opposition

States a clear and forceful conflict.

are at odds with each other

Suggests a state of disagreement or conflict.

cannot coexist

Emphasizes the impossibility of existing together.

clash with one another

Implies a forceful collision or conflict.

are in conflict

A general term indicating disagreement or opposition.

FAQs

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

Use "are mutually contradictory" to describe two or more statements, beliefs, or actions that cannot logically coexist or both be true. For example, "The two witnesses' testimonies "are mutually contradictory", making it difficult to determine what actually happened."

What does "are mutually contradictory" mean?

It means that two or more things cannot both be true or valid at the same time. They present a logical impossibility if asserted together.

Are "mutually exclusive" and "mutually contradictory" the same?

While related, they aren't exactly the same. "Mutually exclusive" means that two events cannot happen simultaneously, whereas "mutually contradictory" implies a logical conflict where the truth of one negates the truth of the other. "Are mutually exclusive" describes non-overlapping categories or events, and "are mutually contradictory" describes opposing statements or beliefs.

What are some alternatives to "are mutually contradictory"?

Alternatives include "are logically inconsistent", "are diametrically opposed", or "contradict each other". The best choice depends on the specific context.