as a paradox

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a paradox" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation, statement, or concept that seems contradictory or illogical but may reveal a deeper truth. Example: "The idea that we must lose ourselves to find ourselves is often seen as a paradox."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One may be seen as a paradox.

The New York Times - Arts

One commentator this week gently described this as a "paradox".

The Economist

The Times's coverage of poverty strikes me as a paradox.

The New York Times

She is struck by what she sees as a paradox of a car-based society.

Harvard University

Kenneth Arrow, a Nobel prize-winner, once posed the issue as a paradox.

The Economist

"You'll be as popular as a paradox specialist at a simile convention".

The Guardian - Sport

In my opinion, this would classify as a paradox, to say the least.

The New York Times

Experts in the field see that absence of information as a paradox of the information age.

The New York Times

Eatonville has long been defined as a paradox of triumph and struggle.

The New York Times

We view ambidexterity as a paradox whereby its components, exploration and exploitation, generate persistent and conflicting demands on an organization.

Research Policy

TiO2 is a commonly used semiconductor photocatalyst but, as a paradox, it is also widely used as UV filter in sunscreens.

Ceramics International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a paradox" to introduce situations or statements that appear self-contradictory but contain a deeper truth or reveal a hidden complexity. This phrase is useful for highlighting nuanced perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "as a paradox" when describing simple contradictions or easily resolvable issues. It's most effective when the contradiction is thought-provoking and requires deeper consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a paradox" functions as a prepositional phrase that serves to characterize a subject, action, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a paradox" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase employed to introduce seemingly contradictory concepts that often reveal deeper truths. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct. Its usage spans across diverse fields like news, science, and academia, maintaining a neutral to formal register. To enhance clarity in your writing, consider context-appropriate alternatives such as "as a contradiction" or "as an irony". While widely accepted, it's crucial to reserve "as a paradox" for scenarios that present genuine cognitive dissonance rather than simple contradictions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a seeming contradiction

Acknowledges the contradiction but implies it might not be real upon closer examination.

as an apparent paradox

Similar to "as a seeming contradiction", but can emphasize how things appear at first glance.

as a contradiction

Emphasizes the direct opposition or inconsistency between two elements.

as an anomaly

Suggests a deviation from the norm or expected pattern.

as an irony

Highlights a situation where the outcome is the opposite of what was expected.

as a conflict

Focuses on the opposition or struggle between different ideas or forces.

as a tension

Implies an uneasy relationship or strain between elements.

as an enigma

Presents something as mysterious or difficult to understand.

as a conundrum

Highlights a confusing and difficult problem or question.

as a puzzle

Frames something as a challenge to be solved.

FAQs

How can I use "as a paradox" in a sentence?

Use "as a paradox" to introduce a seemingly contradictory statement or situation that reveals a deeper truth. For example, "The idea that we must lose ourselves to find ourselves is often seen "as a paradox"."

What phrases are similar to "as a paradox"?

Similar phrases include "as a contradiction", "as an anomaly", or "as an irony". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe something "as a paradox"?

No, use it when the situation or statement appears self-contradictory but also reveals a deeper truth or underlying complexity. Avoid using it for simple contradictions.

What's the difference between "as a paradox" and "as a dilemma"?

"As a paradox" describes a seemingly contradictory situation with an underlying truth, while "as a dilemma" describes a situation with two equally undesirable choices. A paradox can be thought-provoking, while a dilemma is usually a difficult choice.