contradicting one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contradicting one another" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which two people or groups are expressing different opinions or ideas that conflict with each other. For example: "The two witnesses were contradicting one another, making it difficult to determine the truth of the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

For months now, the same administration whose members once prided themselves on never contradicting one another in public has been riven by conflicting pronouncements.

The New York Times

But Gerald Shargel, a lawyer for Mr. Pelosi, described the prosecution's case as largely circumstantial, and based on witnesses who had made statements contradicting one another.

The New York Times

A feasible IL product is always designed to fit a purpose based on consideration of multiple target properties, but these properties can be contradicting one another.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

In disputes involving context-sensitive terms, speakers can seem to be contradicting one another, even as they also appear to be pushing the "conversational score" in different directions.

Yale University

Veteran North Korea watchers say government officials are contradicting one another and being forced to wear military uniforms instead of their usual civilian clothes.

The Guardian

Contradicting one another, DaimlerChrysler executives said that Smart may die (or it may live), and that it may come to the United States in 2007 (or never).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The canonical gospels contradict one another on that front.

Huffington Post

However, it is disappointing in that the first 2 chapters contradict one another on the occurrence of person-to-person transmission of influenza virus A (H5N1), and the chapter on SARS in China could have been improved with more rigorous editing.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Their opinions differed wildly and even contradicted one another's takes on what went down.

Vice

AFGHANISTAN -- The U.S. and its British allies contradicted one another in progress reports on their Afghan military operation.

The New York Times

They don't contradict one another, these two facts: on the contrary, they are as complementary as two shoes from a pair.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in formal settings, consider the nuance that "contradicting one another" brings. The phrase implies a direct opposition, so ensure that the context warrants such a strong assertion. For a more understated disagreement, alternatives like "differing" or "inconsistent" may be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "contradicting one another" when simply describing varying perspectives that are not necessarily in direct opposition. Using it in a situation where viewpoints are merely different, rather than mutually exclusive, can overstate the conflict and introduce unintended tension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contradicting one another" functions as a verbal phrase typically used as part of a clause. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. It often serves as the predicate or part of the predicate, indicating that different entities are expressing opposing viewpoints or providing inconsistent information, as shown in several examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contradicting one another" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight conflicts or inconsistencies between different viewpoints or pieces of information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for objective reporting and discussion. When using this phrase, ensure that there is a genuine contradiction, not merely a difference, between the entities being described. Alternatives such as "in disagreement with each other" or "inconsistent with each other" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting with each other

Highlights the presence of opposing forces or ideas.

opposing one another

Directly indicates that the entities are in opposition.

inconsistent with each other

Stresses the lack of consistency between different elements.

in disagreement with each other

Focuses on the state of disagreement between two or more parties.

at variance with each other

Emphasizes the difference or divergence between elements.

at odds with each other

Emphasizes a state of conflict or opposition.

clashing with each other

Suggests a more active or forceful disagreement.

countering each other

Suggests active opposition and the act of negating each other's effect.

mutually exclusive

Highlights that the ideas or statements cannot both be true.

negating one another

Highlights that the concepts or statements invalidate each other.

FAQs

What does "contradicting one another" mean?

The phrase "contradicting one another" describes a situation where two or more people or things express opposing views, ideas, or information that cannot simultaneously be true or valid.

How can I use "contradicting one another" in a sentence?

You can use "contradicting one another" to describe conflicting reports or opinions, such as: "The witnesses' testimonies were "conflicting with each other", making it difficult to determine what actually happened."

What are some alternatives to "contradicting one another"?

Alternatives include "inconsistent with each other", "opposing one another", or "at odds with each other" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "contradicting one another" versus "differing from each other"?

"Contradicting one another" implies a direct conflict or opposition. "Differing from each other" suggests that there are simply differences or variations, without necessarily implying a conflict. Use "contradicting" when the statements cannot both be true and differing when they present different aspects or perspectives.