internal contradiction

USAGE SUMMARY

'internal contradiction' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a situation where two statements or ideas within a single statement or idea are mutually exclusive. For example, you could use the phrase like this: "The politician's statements contain an internal contradiction, as they seem to both support and oppose the same policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

As in Paris, it was a question of internal contradiction.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Bush's strategic policy is based on a serious internal contradiction.

The New York Times

Apparent confusion over how to address the mysterious paratrooper deaths certainly points to some level of internal contradiction.

The Guardian - Opinion

This discovery presents an internal contradiction for the Motion Picture Association of America MPAAA), one of the most vocal lobbies in support of strict anti-piracy laws.

The Guardian - Tech

That internal contradiction may explain why Channel One looks so different from its main competitors on Russian television, Rossiya and NTV.

The New Yorker

What kind of internal contradiction that wrought is not something upon which she wishes to elucidate, but the radical departure from her screen persona was there for everyone to see.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But here he runs into some internal contradictions.

The New Yorker

The internal contradictions of Marxism brought it to its knees".

The New York Times

We were indeed introduced to the world of internal contradictions.

Harvard Business Review

The liberal peace movement also foundered on internal contradictions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His internal contradictions made him in my eyes an endearing and stirring individual.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "internal contradiction", ensure that the conflicting elements are clearly defined and directly related to the subject being discussed. This will enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "internal contradiction" loosely to describe any general disagreement. Ensure that the conflicting ideas genuinely exist within the same argument, system, or entity. Otherwise, consider using phrases like "external conflict" or "opposing viewpoints".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "internal contradiction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of conflict or inconsistency within something. Ludwig provides various examples of its usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "internal contradiction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to pinpoint and emphasize inconsistencies within arguments, systems, or entities. Its prevalence across diverse sources, including news media, scientific literature, and academic publications, showcases its versatile applicability. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, writers should be mindful of clearly defining the conflicting elements to ensure accurate communication. Examples from Ludwig underscore the phrase's role in analytical and critical discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherent inconsistency

Focuses on the built-in nature of the conflicting elements.

self-contradictory aspect

Highlights the element that opposes itself.

conflicting elements

Emphasizes the presence of opposing components.

logical fallacy

Highlights flaws in reasoning where two ideas cannot coexist.

paradoxical nature

Focuses on the contradictory aspects that, while seemingly absurd, may be true.

cognitive dissonance

Highlights the mental stress or discomfort experienced by an individual who holds conflicting beliefs, ideas, or values.

tension between ideas

Emphasizes conflict between different concepts.

incompatibility of elements

Stresses the lack of alignment between constituent parts.

self-defeating aspect

Indicates that an idea or action undermines its own purpose.

incongruity within

Focuses on lack of harmony or agreement within something.

FAQs

How can I use "internal contradiction" in a sentence?

You can use "internal contradiction" to describe a situation where two ideas or statements within the same argument or system conflict with each other. For example: "The company's policy contains an "internal contradiction", as it promotes both cost-cutting and increased investment in research".

What are some alternatives to "internal contradiction"?

Alternatives include phrases like "inherent inconsistency", "self-contradictory aspect", or "conflicting elements", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "internal contradiction" and "paradox"?

"Internal contradiction" refers to conflicting elements within a single entity or argument, while a paradox presents a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true. A paradox involves a "paradoxical nature" that resolves upon closer inspection, whereas an internal contradiction often reveals a genuine flaw or inconsistency.

Is it always negative to have an "internal contradiction"?

While "internal contradiction" often indicates a problem or flaw, it can also be a source of innovation or growth. Recognizing and resolving conflicting elements can lead to new perspectives and improved solutions. However, unresolved internal contradictions typically create instability or inefficiency.