explain the contradiction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain the contradiction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify or provide details about a conflicting statement or situation. Example: "In your argument, you mentioned two opposing viewpoints. Can you explain the contradiction?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Others could not explain the contradiction.

The New York Times

But Scalia said nothing to explain the contradiction.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr. Squire said he could not explain the contradiction.

The New York Times

"Ours is an inclusive party," Mr. Labastida said in an effort to explain the contradiction.

The New York Times

An experiment we conducted, described in more detail below, may help explain the contradiction.

The New York Times

Her son wasn't going to explain the contradiction; Ann would simply have to accept it, and she did.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Ms. Livingston declined to explain the contradictions in her statements.

The New York Times

"Wilson Security must explain the contradictions in their evidence to parliament.

The Guardian

Like the check-in clerk and the immigration official at Beijing's airport, the flight's co-pilot can only giggle uncomfortably when asked to explain the contradictions.

The Economist

On Thursday, Mr. Romney seized on Mr. Santorum's answers, assailing his rival's attempts to explain the contradictions between his record and his rhetoric.

The New York Times

"We are pressuring them to explain the contradictions apparent from the chairman's statement and will continue to pressure them as much as possible to open up their files," said Alex Clark from Fossil Free Warwick University.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain the contradiction", ensure that the contradiction is clearly defined and understood by all parties involved before attempting to explain it. This sets the stage for a more effective and focused explanation.

Common error

Avoid merely restating the contradiction without providing a deeper analysis of its origins or underlying factors. A thorough explanation should address why the contradiction exists, not just that it exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the contradiction" functions as an imperative, prompting someone to provide a reason or clarification for a conflicting statement or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and frequent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explain the contradiction" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that prompts clarification of conflicting information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It's frequently seen in News & Media and Scientific domains, with a neutral formality level making it suitable for broad application. When using this phrase, it is essential to clearly define the contradiction and delve into its underlying causes to provide a thorough explanation. Consider alternatives like "clarify the inconsistency" or "elucidate the conflict" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the inconsistency

This alternative focuses on making the inconsistency clear and understandable.

resolve the paradox

This option aims to find a solution to a seemingly contradictory situation.

elucidate the conflict

This phrase emphasizes shedding light on a disagreement or clash of ideas.

reconcile the differences

This alternative seeks to bring differing elements into agreement or harmony.

account for the discrepancy

This phrase aims to provide a reason or explanation for a difference or variation.

justify the inconsistency

This implies providing a rationale or excuse for something that isn't consistent.

interpret the ambiguity

This option focuses on clarifying something that is unclear or has multiple meanings.

decipher the conundrum

Similar to 'resolve the paradox', this seeks to solve a puzzling problem.

untangle the confusion

Focuses on clarifying something that is muddled or hard to understand.

demystify the puzzle

This implies making something easier to understand by removing its mysterious aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "explain the contradiction" in a sentence?

You can use "explain the contradiction" to request clarification about conflicting information. For example: "Can you explain the contradiction between the two reports?" or "The politician was asked to explain the contradiction in his voting record."

What's a more formal way to say "explain the contradiction"?

In a more formal context, you might use phrases like "clarify the inconsistency" or "elucidate the conflict". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is it always necessary to "explain the contradiction"?

Whether it's necessary to "explain the contradiction" depends on the context and the audience. If the contradiction causes confusion or undermines an argument, then an explanation is crucial. Otherwise, it might be less important.

What is the difference between "explain the discrepancy" and "explain the contradiction"?

"Explain the discrepancy" generally refers to accounting for a difference between two or more things that should be the same. "Explain the contradiction" refers to clarifying two statements or ideas that are directly opposed to each other.