grim paradox

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grim paradox" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is both serious or bleak and contradictory in nature. Example: "The grim paradox of war is that it often brings people together while simultaneously tearing them apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's a grim paradox.

The New Yorker

His reaction expressed the grim paradox that has come to dominate Israeli politics -- granite realism and determination but in the face of increasing security risks.

The New York Times

It is the grim paradox of all training for war: unless you are actually risking your life in battle, it is not real.

The New York Times - Magazine

Here is the grim paradox of America's involvement in Afghanistan: The darker things get and the more setbacks we suffer, the better the odds that we'll be staying there indefinitely.

The New York Times

We Feed the World (2005) explored the grim paradox that a billion people are dying of famine in a period when enough food is produced worldwide to feed 12 billion people.

Independent

Her humorlessness does hint at the empty smugness of colonial life, the grim paradox of white people engaged in a fundamentally adventurous and privileged enterprise and clinging desperately to what are ultimately small and airless lives.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

COPENHAGEN — It is one of the grim paradoxes of climate change that nations on the front line of global warming are among those with the least political clout at the United Nations conference that opened this week in Copenhagen.

The New York Times

Instead, it should be called 'The Iron-y Lady', so fraught is it with grim paradoxes.

Vice

Only one of the 1,200 bikes in the scheme has gone missing to date.In this section A tide turns Shifting up a gear Grim reapings ReprintsThe paradox of urban cycling is that bad traffic is both deterrent and incentive.

The Economist

(For more on this paradox, see Bringsjord 1985, Menzel 1986, Grim 1986, Beall 2000, and Menzel 2012).

SEP

Sounds grim?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grim paradox" to describe situations where an inherent contradiction makes a negative situation even more difficult or unacceptable. It's effective when highlighting the futility or complexity of a problem.

Common error

Avoid using "grim paradox" in everyday conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a weight of seriousness and should be reserved for situations with significant implications, not trivial ironies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grim paradox" functions as a noun phrase, where "grim" is an adjective modifying the noun "paradox". Ludwig shows that this expression typically introduces a concept of contradictory elements within a negative or unfavorable context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grim paradox" is a noun phrase used to describe a bleak and contradictory situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. It serves to emphasize the difficult or unfortunate nature of a contradictory circumstance. When using the expression, it's best to reserve it for significant situations, avoiding overuse in casual contexts. Related phrases include "bleak contradiction" and "harsh irony", offering alternative ways to express a similar concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak contradiction

Emphasizes the conflicting elements within a somber or depressing situation.

harsh irony

Highlights the contrast between expectation and reality in a severe manner.

unpleasant contradiction

Underscores the disagreeable nature of the conflicting elements.

bitter paradox

Focuses on the painful or resentful aspects of the paradoxical situation.

dark irony

Stresses the sinister or morbid humor found in the unexpected twist of events.

tragic irony

Highlights the disastrous or sorrowful outcome resulting from the paradoxical elements.

stark contrast

Emphasizes the sharp, clear difference between two opposing elements in a negative context.

depressing contradiction

Focuses on the disheartening and discouraging aspects of the conflicting elements.

paradoxical dilemma

Highlights the difficult choice presented by conflicting elements.

cruel twist

Focuses on the painful unexpected reversal of fortune.

FAQs

How to use "grim paradox" in a sentence?

The phrase "grim paradox" is used to describe a situation that is both bleak and contradictory. For example: "The "grim paradox" of war is that it often brings people together while simultaneously tearing them apart."

What can I say instead of "grim paradox"?

You can use alternatives like "bleak contradiction", "harsh irony", or "bitter paradox" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "grim paradox" or "dark paradox"?

"Grim paradox" is more common and emphasizes the bleakness of the contradictory situation. While "dark paradox" is understandable, it is less frequently used.

What's the difference between "grim paradox" and "tragic irony"?

"Grim paradox" highlights a bleak and contradictory situation. "Tragic irony" focuses specifically on an outcome that is both ironic and deeply sorrowful.