by contradictory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by contradictory" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something that is done in a contradictory manner, but the phrase itself lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "The results were explained by contradictory evidence that confused the researchers."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Frantumaglia, a memoir from Elena Ferrante (fictional or otherwise), is named for a word used by her mother "to describe how she felt when she was racked by contradictory sensations that were tearing her apart.

The Guardian - Books

He was beset by contradictory advice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may be assailed by contradictory testimony.

Cornell University

Producers are torn by contradictory forces.

The New York Times

I was paralyzed by contradictory demands and messages.

The New York Times

His authoritarian rule was characterized by contradictory trends.

The New York Times

In Iraq, the big picture is notoriously hard to see, continually clouded by contradictory claims.

The Guardian

The impasse is strengthened by contradictory readings of the military situation.

The New York Times

CONFLICTING SWING OF PRICES AT PARIS Stock Exchangee Violently Agitated by Contradictory Reports of Caillaux Finance Plans.

The New York Times

Archives|CONFLICTING SWING OF PRICES AT PARIS Stock Exchangee Violently Agitated by Contradictory Reports of Caillaux Finance Plans.

The New York Times

Buyers are becoming confused by contradictory economic signals and worry that the housing market may have hit its peak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something influenced by opposing elements, ensure the sentence structure clearly conveys the relationship between the subject and the contradictory aspects.

Common error

Do not assume that frequent usage justifies grammatical correctness. While "by contradictory" appears in various sources, it is grammatically flawed. Always prioritize clarity and correctness in your writing by using established phrases like "characterized by" or "influenced by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by contradictory" functions as a prepositional phrase, but its usage is often grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase itself lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. The intention is often to describe something that is influenced or characterized by opposing elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "by contradictory" appears frequently across a variety of sources, including news, science, and academic texts, it is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity. Ludwig AI confirms this grammatical deficiency. Alternative phrases such as "characterized by contradictions", "influenced by conflicting factors", or "through conflicting" offer more grammatically sound options for expressing the same idea. When writing, especially in formal contexts, it is best to avoid "by contradictory" and opt for these clearer, more accurate alternatives to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through conflicting

Replaces the preposition "by" with "through" and changes "contradictory" to the adjective "conflicting" for better grammatical flow.

with contradictory

Uses "with" to link the subject and its contradictory attributes, maintaining a close semantic connection.

characterized by contradictions

Transforms "contradictory" into the noun "contradictions", linked by the phrase "characterized by", providing a more formal and grammatically sound structure.

marked by conflicting

Similar to "characterized by contradictions", this option uses "marked by" to indicate the presence of conflicting aspects.

subject to contradictory

This phrase suggests that something is exposed to conflicting influences or information.

influenced by contradictory

Directly states that something is affected by opposing factors, clarifying the relationship.

affected by conflicting

Emphasizes the impact of opposing elements on a subject, highlighting the consequences of the conflict.

shaped by contrary

Indicates that something is formed or developed under the influence of opposing forces.

driven by opposing

Suggests that something is propelled or motivated by conflicting elements, highlighting the underlying cause.

guided by conflicting

Implies that something is directed or influenced by opposing considerations, emphasizing the decision-making process.

FAQs

Is "by contradictory" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "by contradictory" is not grammatically correct. It's more appropriate to use phrases like "characterized by" or "influenced by" followed by a noun or adjective that accurately describes the contradictory elements.

What are some alternatives to "by contradictory"?

Instead of "by contradictory", you can use alternatives such as "through conflicting", "with contradictory", or "marked by conflicting" to convey the same meaning with better grammatical structure.

How can I use "characterized by contradictions" in a sentence?

You can use "characterized by contradictions" in a sentence like this: "His authoritarian rule was characterized by contradictions, bringing stability while stifling political life."

What's the difference between "by contradictory" and "with contradictory"?

"By contradictory" is grammatically incorrect, while "with contradictory" is a slightly better, though still awkward, construction. A more natural and grammatically sound option is to use a phrase like "characterized by contradictions" or "influenced by contradictory forces".