in contradictory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in contradictory" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct form would be "in contradiction" or "contradictory to." Example: "His statements were in contradiction to the evidence presented."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People try to trip it up by putting in contradictory attributes," she said by e-mail.

The New York Times - Tech

Cellphones are moving in contradictory directions.

The New York Times - Tech

Our eyes revel in contradictory effects that baffle our rational minds.

The New Yorker

The French response is taking shape in fits and starts and in contradictory directions.

The New York Times

"Ambivalent" means having strong inclinations in contradictory directions!' Which is right.

The New Yorker

Change happens very gradually in contradictory ways and it feels like an attitude of mind just to think it through.

The Guardian - Film

Change in Syria and the wider region is running at breakneck pace, and heading in contradictory directions.

The Guardian - Books

It is characteristic of Pynchon, too, to go in contradictory directions, towards absolute authenticity and its opposite.

The Guardian - Books

Even government ministers aren't clear how they will work out, resulting in contradictory statements that are hastily "clarified" or withdrawn.

The Guardian

Paris's reputation as the most romantic of cities asserted itself in contradictory ways because my father hit on my girlfriend.

The New York Times - Magazine

It has "begun to decrease, slowly and progressively".The issue has become mired in contradictory statistics and competing definitions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using "in contradiction" or "contradictory to" for grammatical correctness. For example, "The evidence was in contradiction to his statement" or "The report was contradictory to previous findings."

Common error

Avoid using "in contradictory" as a replacement for "in contradiction" or "contradictory to". Although frequently found, especially in informal contexts, its usage deviates from standard grammatical conventions. Rely on the alternatives like "in contradiction" or "contradictory to" to enhance clarity and maintain grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in contradictory" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, aiming to describe a state or manner characterized by contradiction. As Ludwig AI explains, though frequently used, it is not grammatically correct; the correct forms are "in contradiction" or "contradictory to."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in contradictory" is used to express opposition or inconsistency. While frequently found, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts, Ludwig AI points out that it's grammatically incorrect. The correct and recommended alternatives are "in contradiction" or "contradictory to". To maintain precision and credibility, especially in formal and professional writing, it's best to avoid "in contradictory" and opt for its grammatically sound alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in contradiction

Replaces the adjective with a noun, indicating a state of opposition.

in opposition

Highlights a direct conflict or resistance.

in contrast

Emphasizes the differences between two things.

in conflict

Suggests a clash or struggle between opposing elements.

in disagreement

Focuses on a lack of consensus or alignment.

inconsistently

Adverb that describes the behavior of acting at variance with itself

divergently

Describes actions moving in different directions or paths.

at odds

Implies a state of being in disagreement or conflict.

counter to

Highlights something going against or opposing something else.

contrary to

Indicates something opposing or differing from something else.

FAQs

What's the correct way to use the phrase, "in contradictory" or "in contradiction"?

"In contradiction" is the grammatically correct form. "In contradictory" is often used, but "in contradiction" is standard usage.

What does it mean when something is described as "contradictory"?

When something is "contradictory", it means it contains elements that oppose or disagree with each other. It implies inconsistency or a situation where two or more statements cannot both be true.

Are there situations where "in contradictory" might be considered acceptable?

While frequently used, "in contradictory" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's best to avoid it in formal writing and opt for more precise alternatives like "in contradiction".

What are some phrases similar to "in contradictory" that I can use?

Alternatives include "in opposition", "in contrast", "at odds", or "contrary to", depending on the specific context and intended meaning.