contradictory statements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'contradictory statements' is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
For example, "The witness provided conflicting accounts of the incident, making it difficult to discern which of her contradictory statements were true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were contradictory statements.

The New York Times - Arts

And other parts of the administration have issued contradictory statements.

The Washington Post

Dadis reacted with a series of defensive and contradictory statements.

The New Yorker

And contradictory statements, stated in the right way, are funny.

The New Yorker

At the moment, we're being fed confusing and contradictory statements.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mayweather has put out contradictory statements about his future.

The Guardian - Sport

What are we to make of these contradictory statements?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stone has made contradictory statements about being in contact with Assange during the campaign.

The Guardian

It followed contradictory statements made by governments whose support he had sought.

The New York Times

The contradictory statements from the city's leadership showed how tangled and inflammatory the case has become.

The New York Times

Far less ditzy than Hudson, Hathaway is nevertheless prone to contradictory statements.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contradictory statements", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the nature of the contradiction and its potential impact on understanding the situation. For example, "The suspect's contradictory statements raised doubts about his alibi."

Common error

Avoid using "contradictory statements" when the statements are merely different or complementary, not directly opposing each other. "Different approaches" or "varied perspectives" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contradictory statements" functions as a noun phrase, where "contradictory" is an adjective modifying the noun "statements". Ludwig examples show its use in describing conflicting accounts or information, indicating a disagreement between different assertions. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contradictory statements" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe conflicting assertions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in written English to highlight discrepancies in various contexts. Predominantly found in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse applications. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context clearly illustrates the nature and impact of the contradictions. While alternatives such as "conflicting declarations" or "inconsistent assertions" exist, "contradictory statements" remains a direct and effective means of conveying opposing information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting declarations

Emphasizes the act of declaring something that clashes with another declaration.

inconsistent assertions

Highlights the lack of logical consistency between claims.

opposing viewpoints

Focuses on the contrast between different perspectives or opinions.

divergent accounts

Suggests that narratives or explanations separate from a single point.

irreconcilable differences

Highlights that differences that cannot be brought into agreement or harmony.

paradoxical pronouncements

Emphasizes that the statements contain a self-contradictory nature.

mutually exclusive claims

Focuses that statements exclude the possibility of the others validity.

clashing narratives

Highlights the conflict within different versions of a story.

discrepant testimonies

Indicates that testimonies are not in agreement or alignment.

ambiguous declarations

Highlights declarations that has double meaning or lack explicitness.

FAQs

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

Use "contradictory statements" to describe situations where someone has provided conflicting information. For example, "The witness made several "contradictory statements", making it difficult to trust their account".

What's a less formal way to say "contradictory statements"?

Informally, you could say "mixed messages" or "flip-flopping" to describe someone who is making "contradictory statements".

Are "contradictory statements" always intentional?

No, "contradictory statements" can arise from confusion, memory lapses, or even unintentional misrepresentation, as well as from deliberate deception. It is possible for someone to make "contradictory statements" unknowingly.

What is the difference between "inconsistent statements" and "contradictory statements"?

"Inconsistent statements" simply lack agreement, while "contradictory statements" assert the opposite of each other. "Contradictory statements" are a stronger form of inconsistency.