contradictory forces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contradictory forces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe opposing or conflicting influences or elements in a situation or context. Example: "The project faced challenges due to the contradictory forces of innovation and tradition within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Producers are torn by contradictory forces.

The New York Times

Breastfeeding sits in the middle of two very contradictory forces.

The Guardian - Opinion

From the Chinese side, he said, two contradictory forces help fuel this cycle.

The New York Times

Mr. Lipsky is committed to the concept that every person is an infinitely complex, ultimately unpredictable bundle of contradictory forces.

The New York Times

His piece becomes an attempt to understand the extreme and seemingly contradictory forces that drive the athlete.

The New Yorker

On Monday, the movements in the bond market showed the complicated and sometimes contradictory forces at work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

They have also attempted to assess the world economic development of capitalism as a contradictory force for the liberation of women (Federici 2004; Mies 1986; Saffioti 1978) and to argue that universal women's liberation requires attention to the worse off: poor women workers in poor post-colonial countries (Sen & Grown 1987).

SEP

First, with the idea that human individuals are merely one of the sites at which the contradictory productive forces that characterize an era are enacted, Althusser signals that the primary object of social philosophy is not the human individual.

SEP

Diverse and sometimes contradictory selection forces keeping the balance of various RCCX structures may underlie the continuance of the RCCX CNV.

Genome Biology and Evolution

On the contrary, Selye's emphasis on balancing the seemingly contradictory evolutionary forces of egotism and altruism and his belief in the applicability of biological models of homoeostasis to social problems were contingent upon a range of scientific, social, political and cultural contexts.

History of the Human Sciences

Basically, outside of these two national and notional allegiances, I favored the Russian style of play, an intricate, flowing approach that preferred puck possession and teamwork to (and Flyers haters will find this contradictory) brute force and individual achievement.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex situation, use "contradictory forces" to acknowledge the presence of opposing influences at play. This adds nuance and depth to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "contradictory forces" when simpler terms like "challenges" or "obstacles" suffice. Reserve it for situations where the opposition is truly inherent and multifaceted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contradictory forces" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation or entity characterized by opposing influences, as demonstrated by Ludwig in examples like "Producers are torn by "contradictory forces"".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contradictory forces" is a useful tool for describing situations where opposing elements are at play. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios with inherent and multifaceted opposition, avoiding overuse in simpler situations. Related phrases like "opposing pressures" or "conflicting influences" can provide alternative ways to express similar concepts. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "contradictory forces" to add depth and sophistication to their analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposing pressures

This alternative focuses on the exertion of influence from different sides, similar to "contradictory forces".

conflicting influences

It highlights the clash of different factors or sources of impact, akin to the disharmony of "contradictory forces".

divergent trends

This phrase emphasizes the way different patterns/paths moving apart, similarly as "contradictory forces".

antithetical elements

It describes the existence of elements that are mutually opposed or incompatible, like "contradictory forces".

competing dynamics

Highlights the interaction of elements where each is striving for dominance over the others, similar to "contradictory forces".

clashing powers

It focuses on the conflict and confrontation between entities or abilities, like "contradictory forces".

irreconcilable differences

Emphasizes the conflict and impossibility of resolution, similarly to "contradictory forces".

opposing factions

Describes conflicting groups or parties each pushing in a different direction, as with "contradictory forces".

conflicting agendas

It implies the pursuit of incompatible goals, which can be likened to the operation of "contradictory forces".

dichotomous pressures

This highlights the duality and separation of influences, similar to the tension in "contradictory forces".

FAQs

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

You can use "contradictory forces" to describe situations where opposing elements are at play. For example: "The project was affected by the "contradictory forces" of innovation and tradition."

What are some alternatives to "contradictory forces"?

Alternatives include "opposing pressures", "conflicting influences", or "competing dynamics", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "contradictory forces" in formal writing?

Yes, "contradictory forces" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic and professional contexts where nuanced analysis is required.

What's the difference between "contradictory forces" and "opposing forces"?

"Contradictory forces" implies elements that inherently negate each other, while "opposing forces" simply suggests forces working against each other, not necessarily creating a logical contradiction.