inherent contradiction

USAGE SUMMARY

"inherent contradiction" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation where two elements or ideas within a sentence or argument are contradictory or conflicting by nature. Example: The politician's campaign promises were filled with inherent contradictions, making it difficult for voters to trust his statements.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's an inherent contradiction.

The New York Times

"That statement is an inherent contradiction".

The New York Times

Sustainable mining: an inherent contradiction in terms?

The Guardian

There's an inherent contradiction we're dealing with all the time.

The New York Times

This inherent contradiction may finally be starting to sink in.

The Economist

Or is there no inherent contradiction between beauty and the full range of human experience?

The New York Times

"This is my inherent contradiction in life," he said, pointing to his chest.

The Guardian

Even so, in the debates over it, nobody here has talked much about the inherent contradiction.

The New York Times

Nor should we see any inherent contradiction between Prada's political sympathies and her success in business.

The New York Times - Magazine

None of these options gets to the roots of capitalism's inherent contradiction.

The Guardian

There is an inherent contradiction at the heart of Michael Gove's criticism of GCSEs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inherent contradiction", ensure that the conflicting elements are clearly identified to maintain clarity and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "inherent contradiction" to dismiss complex situations without thorough analysis. Ensure the contradiction is genuinely present and not a result of oversimplification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inherent contradiction" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a fundamental incompatibility or conflict within a concept, system, or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inherent contradiction" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a fundamental conflict or incompatibility within something. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing. While it can be used to point out flaws or inconsistencies, it's important to ensure that the perceived contradiction is genuine and not a result of oversimplification. Alternatives like "intrinsic conflict" or "internal inconsistency" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "inherent contradiction" serves as a valuable tool for critical analysis and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-contradictory aspect

Directly points out the element of contradicting oneself within a situation or concept.

internal inconsistency

Focuses on the lack of logical coherence within a system, argument, or set of beliefs.

intrinsic conflict

Emphasizes the natural or essential conflict within something, rather than a logical contradiction.

underlying paradox

Suggests a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that may prove to be true.

built-in inconsistency

Highlights the lack of uniformity or agreement as a fundamental part of something.

fundamental tension

Indicates opposing forces or elements that create a state of strain or imbalance.

basic incompatibility

Highlights the inability of two or more things to exist or work together in harmony.

essential dichotomy

Emphasizes a division into two sharply opposed parts or categories as a core aspect.

self-defeating nature

Focuses on how something undermines its own purpose or goals.

logical fallacy

Draws attention to a flaw in reasoning that makes an argument invalid.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "inherent contradiction" in a sentence?

To effectively use "inherent contradiction", clearly identify the two conflicting elements within your subject. For example, "There's an inherent contradiction in writing a book which has the goal of getting rid of gender stereotypes and telling people to acknowledge and use the gender stereotypes."

What phrases are similar to "inherent contradiction"?

Similar phrases include "intrinsic conflict", "internal inconsistency", or "underlying paradox". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to identify an "inherent contradiction"?

Not necessarily. Identifying an "inherent contradiction" can highlight a need for change or a deeper understanding of a situation. It can also be used to spark innovation by forcing a re-evaluation of existing assumptions.

What's the difference between "inherent contradiction" and "logical fallacy"?

"Inherent contradiction" refers to conflicting elements within something, while "logical fallacy" refers to a flaw in reasoning that makes an argument invalid. They are related but distinct concepts.