as paradoxical as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as paradoxical as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is contradictory or seems illogical in a striking or notable way. Example: "His decision to quit his job for a more stable life was as paradoxical as a tightrope walker who fears heights."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Considering recent demographic and immigration trends, with shrinking native populations and growing immigrant diasporas of ever more distant origins, respectively, perhaps the moment has come for something as paradoxical as a "liberal theory of majority rights" (Orgad, 2015).

Comparative Migration Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In a way it's as paradoxical as its subject: a big, lusty but surprisingly timid look at the bold pioneers and profiteers who ravaged nature to build a nation.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps that is why still photography is such an ideal medium to capture dance, as paradoxical as that seems, since a single frame can only begin to intimate movement.

The New York Times

This idea of a "contentious community" is "not as paradoxical as it may seem".

BBC

Those privacy puzzles, as Gentry has shown in an unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, aren't as paradoxical as they seem.

Forbes

The defence of our island freedoms can seem as paradoxical as those freedoms themselves.

The Guardian

His intricate theories about the geometry of human culture were as paradoxical as they were provocative.

The New York Times - Books

It's as though at Storm King there's no sanctuary from nature, as paradoxical as that sounds.

The New York Times

The mind is emptied and you are one with the machine and the environment, as paradoxical as that may sound.

The New York Times

Artists with messy, ugly lives and less-than-admirable personalities are not as paradoxical as we sometimes think.

The New York Times

Is he making fun of me? ' " Hembrey himself is as paradoxical as the work he has created.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with specific examples to clarify the apparent contradiction. Providing context helps readers understand the seemingly illogical nature of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "as paradoxical as a" simply to sound sophisticated without properly exploring the actual contradiction. Ensure there is a genuine element of apparent self-contradiction that warrants the descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as paradoxical as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by comparing its level of paradox to a known example. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as paradoxical as a" is a grammatically sound and usable construction for describing something marked by contradiction or seeming illogicality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Though not exceptionally frequent, the phrase appears in reputable news and media sources, as well as in scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it is best to provide sufficient context to clarify the paradoxical nature of the subject for the reader. Alternatives include phrases like "as contradictory as a" or "as counterintuitive as a".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as contradictory as an

Changes the adjective to "contradictory" and adjusts the article to "an".

as ironic as an

Replaces "paradoxical" with "ironic" and uses "an" before the following noun.

as self-contradictory as a

Adds "self-" to "contradictory" for emphasis.

as counterintuitive as a

Uses "counterintuitive" instead of "paradoxical".

as seemingly illogical as a

Expands the phrase to explicitly mention the lack of logic.

as much of an oxymoron as a

Compares the subject to an oxymoron, a figure of speech with contradictory terms.

resembling a paradox

Simplifies the structure to focus on resemblance to a paradox.

akin to a paradox

Uses "akin to" to indicate similarity to a paradox.

as baffling as a

Replaces "paradoxical" with "baffling", focusing on the confusing nature.

as perplexing as a

Similar to baffling, emphasizes the confusing aspect using "perplexing".

FAQs

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

You can use "as paradoxical as a" to describe something that appears contradictory or illogical but may have an underlying truth. For instance, "His decision to work less to improve his productivity was "as paradoxical as a" tightrope walker who fears heights".

What are some alternatives to "as paradoxical as a"?

Alternatives include "as contradictory as a", "as ironic as an", or "as counterintuitive as a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explain something described as "as paradoxical as a"?

While not always mandatory, explaining the paradoxical nature is often helpful for clarity. Providing context or examples helps readers understand the apparent contradiction and the potential underlying truth.

Can "as paradoxical as a" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "as paradoxical as a" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing complex or nuanced topics where contradictions or seeming illogicalities are present. It's important to ensure the context makes the paradox clear.