contradictory arguments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contradictory arguments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two or more arguments that oppose each other or cannot coexist logically. Example: "In the debate, the speaker presented contradictory arguments that left the audience confused about the main point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 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

Here's a snapshot of the contradictory arguments and emotions swirling round in my head right now.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

Columbia University

O'Brien has a particular talent for exposing hypocrisy or contradictory arguments, often just by posing one question.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

A non-contradictory stance.

Huffington Post

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "contradictory arguments", clearly outline each argument's premises and conclusions to highlight the points of conflict, allowing your audience to understand the nuances of the disagreement.

Common error

Avoid presenting "contradictory arguments" as simply right or wrong; instead, explore the contexts in which each argument might hold validity or offer valuable insights, even if they ultimately clash.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contradictory arguments" functions as a noun phrase, where "contradictory" modifies the noun "arguments". It describes arguments that present conflicting or logically incompatible claims. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contradictory arguments" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe arguments that clash or present incompatible claims. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in a variety of contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science and Academia. When employing this phrase, clarity and context are key: clearly outline each argument's premises to allow your audience to understand the nuances of the disagreement. While alternatives like "conflicting arguments" or "opposing viewpoints" exist, "contradictory arguments" specifically highlights the logical incompatibility between claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting arguments

Replaces "contradictory" with "conflicting", emphasizing the clash or opposition between arguments.

inconsistent arguments

Substitutes "contradictory" with "inconsistent", highlighting the lack of logical coherence within or between arguments.

arguments in opposition

Rephrases to emphasize the state of being against each other directly.

opposing viewpoints

Focuses on the differing perspectives or stances taken in the arguments, rather than the logical contradiction.

clashing perspectives

Similar to "opposing viewpoints", but with a stronger emphasis on the active conflict or disagreement.

paradoxical reasoning

Highlights the presence of self-contradictory elements within the reasoning process itself.

mutually exclusive claims

Emphasizes that the arguments present claims that cannot both be true simultaneously.

irreconcilable differences in opinion

Focuses on the inability to find common ground or agreement between the differing viewpoints.

divergent rationales

Highlights that the justifications or underlying principles behind the arguments are moving in different directions.

antithetical positions

Emphasizes the direct opposition or contrast between the stances taken in the arguments.

FAQs

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

You can use "contradictory arguments" to describe situations where different lines of reasoning clash. For instance, "The politician presented "contradictory arguments" on economic policy, confusing many voters".

What are some alternatives to saying "contradictory arguments"?

Alternatives include "conflicting arguments", "inconsistent arguments", or "opposing viewpoints", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "contradictory arguments" and "opposing arguments"?

"Contradictory arguments" present statements that cannot both be true, while "opposing arguments" simply represent different viewpoints that may not directly negate each other.

Is it always a flaw to present "contradictory arguments"?

Not necessarily. Presenting "contradictory arguments" can be useful for exploring the complexities of an issue, as long as the contradictions are acknowledged and examined, rather than presented as a cohesive position. Exploring "opposing arguments" can lead to a more nuanced understanding.