contradictory argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contradictory argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a statement or reasoning that contains conflicting ideas or positions. Example: "The speaker presented a contradictory argument that left the audience confused about the main point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It cited the ruling as a precedent while also reasserting its own contradictory argument that the laws of war matter.

The New York Times

In voting with the Tories and rallying around an entirely contradictory argument - as presented in a speech by the Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn – certain members of Corbyn's cabinet made it painfully clear how they were going to repay their leader's faith in them.

Independent

Still, there's a compelling, albeit contradictory, argument frequently made against open borders to immigration by well-intentioned conservatives in the United States.

Forbes

Sens. Charles Schumer and Bernie Sanders moan that "85percentt of all stocks owned by Americans belong to the wealthiest 10percentt of households," and that's the basis of their contradictory argument that businesses should de-emphasize their focus on shareholder returns.

Forbes

Plutarch, at any rate, records that "Pericles heard Zeno of Elea discoursing on nature in the manner of Parmenides, and practicing a kind of skill in cross-examination and in driving one's opponent into a corner by means of contradictory argument" (Plu. Per. 4.5).

SEP

The contradictory argument, that of over-selection of those patients who do not actually need treatment, cannot be supported by the literature.

Breast Cancer Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In their case two entirely contradictory arguments apply.

Independent

In the House debate, each party used somewhat contradictory arguments.

The New York Times

To help regulators parse contradictory arguments, try to refute these alternative viewpoints with specific evidence.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It has also been asserted, however, that these cases contain contradictory arguments, which offer a multifaceted narrative.

Columbia University

The court faces that question in a flurry of contradictory arguments prompted by a decision by the Montana Supreme Court late last year.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "contradictory argument", clearly identify the conflicting points and explain why they are incompatible. This enhances clarity and strengthens your analysis.

Common error

Avoid dismissing a "contradictory argument" outright. Instead, explore the context and potential reasons for the apparent contradiction, as there may be underlying factors or perspectives that offer valuable insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contradictory argument" functions as a noun phrase, where "contradictory" modifies "argument". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It typically serves to characterize a line of reasoning as containing mutually exclusive or opposing elements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contradictory argument" is a valid and useful term for describing reasoning that contains conflicting elements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appears across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly identify the conflicting elements to enhance clarity. Related phrases include "inconsistent reasoning" and "opposing perspective", each with slightly different nuances. Remember to explore nuances within potentially "contradictory arguments" rather than dismissing them outright.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting viewpoint

Focuses on the conflicting nature of different views, rather than the argument itself.

inconsistent reasoning

Highlights the lack of logical consistency within the argument.

opposing perspective

Emphasizes the contrasting nature of different viewpoints.

paradoxical statement

Draws attention to the self-contradictory nature of the statement.

self-defeating logic

Implies that the argument ultimately undermines itself.

tenuous justification

Suggests a weak or shaky foundation for the argument.

flawed premise

Emphasizes the logical errors within the foundation of the argument.

specious reasoning

Highlights the deceptive or misleading nature of the argument.

fallacious claim

Points out the logical fallacy present within the claim.

unfounded assertion

Stresses the lack of evidence or support for the argument.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the phrase "contradictory argument" in a sentence?

Use "contradictory argument" when you want to point out that a line of reasoning contains elements that are inconsistent or in opposition to each other. For example: "The lawyer presented a "contradictory argument", claiming both self-defense and accidental discharge."

What are some alternatives to saying "contradictory argument"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives such as "inconsistent reasoning", "opposing perspective", or "paradoxical statement".

Is there a difference between a "contradictory argument" and an "incoherent argument"?

While both terms suggest flaws in reasoning, a "contradictory argument" presents opposing points, whereas an "incoherent argument" lacks clarity or logical connection. A contradictory argument contains explicit contradictions, while an incoherent one might simply be difficult to follow.

When is it appropriate to use the term "contradictory argument" in academic writing?

In academic writing, "contradictory argument" is appropriate when analyzing the logical flaws in a text or theory. Use it to objectively identify points of conflict without necessarily dismissing the entire argument. It's useful for critical analysis.