contradictory advice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'contradictory advice' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is giving advice that is inconsistent or counterintuitive. For example, "He gave her contradictory advice to spend more money even when she was trying to save."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Talk about contradictory advice.

The Guardian - Travel

My doctors gave contradictory advice.

The New York Times

He was beset by contradictory advice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And a lot of contradictory advice.

The Guardian

Mr Stern's nine all-stars offer contradictory advice.

The Economist

" Giusti met with seven myeloma specialists and received contradictory advice.

The New Yorker

I always give two pieces of contradictory advice.

The Guardian

"Anybody can find a dozen things you can do differently, and you can get contradictory advice," he said.

The New York Times

Mr Karzai complains that he gets too much contradictory advice from the 40-odd allies in ISAF.

The Economist

And the never-ending supply of dry-eyed doctors run amok, full of opinions and chatter and contradictory advice.

The New York Times - Health

During the inquest, Zaani's father, Bevan's partner Pascal Malbrouck, claimed she had been given contradictory advice about stopping her medication.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contradictory advice", clearly identify the sources or individuals giving the conflicting advice to avoid confusion. This adds clarity and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid attributing "contradictory advice" to vague sources (e.g., "experts say"). Always specify who is giving the different pieces of advice to maintain accuracy and transparency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contradictory advice" functions as a noun phrase, where "contradictory" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "advice". This phrase typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the nature of the counsel being given, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contradictory advice" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe situations where different sources offer opposing recommendations. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used in news articles, scientific publications, and formal business communications. While it is appropriate for neutral and professional contexts, it's important to clearly identify the sources providing the conflicting advice to avoid confusion. When faced with "contradictory advice", seeking additional opinions and clarifying the reasons behind each recommendation can lead to more informed decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting guidance

Focuses on the guidance being in conflict.

opposing recommendations

Highlights the recommendations as being in opposition.

inconsistent counsel

Emphasizes the lack of consistency in the advice.

divergent opinions

Stresses the differing viewpoints providing the advice.

paradoxical suggestions

Emphasizes the seemingly self-contradictory nature of the suggestions.

mixed signals

Highlights the confusion arising from the conflicting advice.

uncertain recommendations

Emphasizes the uncertainty and lack of clarity behind the given recommendation.

twofold guidance

Focuses on the fact there are two, possibly contradictory parts to the guidance.

mutually exclusive recommendations

Highlights that the recommendations cannot coexist or be followed simultaneously.

advice at odds

Implies the pieces of advice are in disagreement or conflict with each other.

FAQs

How can I use "contradictory advice" in a sentence?

You can use "contradictory advice" to describe situations where different people or sources offer conflicting guidance. For example, "She received "contradictory advice" from her doctors regarding treatment options."

What's a good alternative to "contradictory advice"?

Alternatives include "conflicting guidance", "opposing recommendations", or "inconsistent counsel". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "contradictory advice" or "conflicting advice"?

"Contradictory advice" and "conflicting advice" are largely interchangeable. "Contradictory" emphasizes direct opposition, while "conflicting" suggests a broader disagreement. Choose the word that best fits the nuances of your situation.

When is it appropriate to seek a second opinion after receiving "contradictory advice"?

It's advisable to seek a second opinion, and possibly more, when facing "contradictory advice", especially concerning significant decisions like medical treatments or financial investments. This helps ensure a more informed decision-making process.