clear contradiction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear contradiction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two statements or ideas are in direct opposition to each other, making it evident that they cannot both be true. Example: "His claim that he was never at the meeting is a clear contradiction to the evidence presented by several witnesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"This is a clear contradiction".

The New York Times

So that's a clear contradiction".

The Guardian

In particular, in all cases it was observed that there is less oxidation above 1100 °C than below, in clear contradiction to the expectation for a diffusional process.

Journal of the European Ceramic Society

Attempting to solve the Thermo sudoku puzzles entirely as thermo sudoku puzzles will break down - and in several cases it will break down quickly with a clear contradiction.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Isn't this a clear contradiction?" At another point, Zawahiri concedes the failure of Al Jihad to overthrow the Egyptian government, then adds, "Neither has the eighty-year-old jihad kicked the occupier out of Palestine.

The New Yorker

There is a clear contradiction between the value that American society places on personal choice and Americans' reluctance to make their own decisions, insofar as possible, about the care they will receive as death nears.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Most religions show a certain ambivalence, for fate and providence do not always form a clear-cut contradiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But there are some clear contradictions in North Korea's stereotyping.

The Washington Post

"On the issue of sexual abuse and exploitation, there are clear contradictions between what the experts set out in their research and what Ban Ki-moon would like to present as factual in his annual report to members".

The Guardian

The judges recognized that "murkiness" existed in the industry regarding the handling of whale meat, however, despite this and clear contradictions in the official version of events, the judges instead chose to deny citizens the right to investigate the misuse of public resources.

Huffington Post

But the release Tuesday of a 2016 email exchange in which the president's eldest son welcomed the assistance of a "Russian government attorney" offered the clearest contradiction of the White House's denials — marking an escalation in the controversy that has engulfed the Trump presidency.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear contradiction", ensure that the opposing elements are explicitly stated or easily inferred by the reader. This ensures the contradiction is readily apparent and impactful.

Common error

Avoid assuming the contradiction is obvious to your audience. Always provide sufficient context to demonstrate the opposing elements, as what seems "clear" to you might not be to others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear contradiction" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a state or situation characterized by two opposing elements. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear contradiction" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively highlights readily apparent inconsistencies or oppositions. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. The phrase serves to emphasize a lack of coherence between elements, prompting further examination or critique. While a "clear contradiction" is appropriate for formal and neutral registers, writers should explicitly state opposing elements instead of assuming the "clear contradiction" is self-evident to their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious inconsistency

Emphasizes the lack of logical coherence between two elements.

patent discrepancy

Highlights an easily noticeable difference or divergence.

manifest conflict

Stresses an open and evident clash or disagreement.

evident paradox

Focuses on a seemingly self-contradictory statement or situation that reveals a deeper truth.

blatant incongruity

Indicates a glaring lack of harmony or compatibility.

palpable inconsistency

Highlights an inconsistency that is easily perceived or felt.

glaring contradiction

Stresses that the contradiction is strikingly obvious or conspicuous.

unequivocal clash

Emphasizes a definitive and unambiguous opposition.

distinct divergence

Highlights a notable point where two things separate or differ.

unmistakable opposition

Stresses that the opposition is easily recognizable and cannot be misinterpreted.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "clear contradiction" in a sentence?

To effectively use "clear contradiction", explicitly state both elements that are contradictory and highlight their opposition. For example, "There is a "clear contradiction" between his words and his actions".

What are some alternatives to using "clear contradiction"?

Alternatives include "obvious inconsistency", "patent discrepancy", or "manifest conflict" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very clear contradiction"?

While not strictly incorrect, "very clear contradiction" can be considered slightly redundant. The word "clear" already implies a high degree of obviousness, so adding "very" doesn't significantly enhance the meaning. Using just "clear contradiction" is usually sufficient.

What's the difference between "clear contradiction" and "apparent contradiction"?

A "clear contradiction" indicates that the opposition is readily evident and unambiguous. An "apparent contradiction", on the other hand, suggests that the contradiction seems to exist but might not be real upon closer inspection.