internally contradictory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "internally contradictory" is correct and used in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is in conflict with itself. For example, "His argument was internally contradictory; he made two statements that contradicted one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The international human rights system, including the European Court, has become a tangled, internally contradictory bureaucracy run by technocrats, where core concepts are distorted by faddish judicial activism.

HuffPost

Such views, as stated, are internally contradictory.

The New York Times

But this approach was inconsistent and sometimes internally contradictory.

The New York Times

Second, the NIE is internally contradictory and insufficiently supported.

The Washington Post

This week, in New Hampshire, the atmosphere around these matters grew only more internally contradictory.

The New Yorker

And this internally contradictory picture "turned out to be more or less true".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

We pursue our reporting through the lens of actual human experience -- a messy, internally-contradictory frame of reference that simply cannot be described by hackneyed labels like left and right.

Huffington Post

The real depth of the current crisis of Conservatism is that there are now two completely contradictory but completely internally consistent pictures of how that can be achieved.

The Guardian

In different fashions, both men were internally making the show's primary contradictory gesture: embracing Jewish practice at arm's length.

The New York Times

But since God is not a contradictory entity, He cannot internally rule out His own existence, and hence He must exist (E11pd).

SEP

Of note, interpretations were not always internally consistent, with the same evidence used in sometimes contradictory ways within the same source.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "internally contradictory", ensure that the conflicting elements are clearly identified to strengthen the analysis. For example, specify which parts of a statement, theory, or system are at odds.

Common error

Avoid using "internally contradictory" when the contradiction arises from external factors or sources. This phrase is best suited for situations where the inconsistency originates from within the subject itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "internally contradictory" functions as an adjective that modifies a noun. It describes something that contains conflicting elements within itself. Ludwig AI confirms this usage aligns with standard grammatical practices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "internally contradictory" is a valuable tool for critical analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes something exhibiting conflicting elements within itself. This analysis has shown it to be grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse authoritative sources, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. Related phrases like "self-contradictory" and "logically inconsistent" offer similar nuances, while understanding common errors ensures precise application. Mastering its use empowers clear and insightful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Self-contradictory

Focuses on the inherent conflict within something, similar to the original phrase.

Inherent contradiction

Highlights that the contradictory nature is a fundamental element.

Self-contradicting

Highlights the action of something contradicting itself.

Inconsistent within itself

Emphasizes the lack of uniformity or agreement within a single entity.

Logically inconsistent

Emphasizes the lack of logical coherence.

Self-negating

Focuses on the characteristic of invalidating itself.

Mutually exclusive

Indicates that elements cannot coexist or both be true.

At odds with itself

Presents the idea of something being in conflict with its own nature or principles.

Paradoxical

Suggests a statement or situation that appears self-contradictory but may contain a deeper truth.

Conflicting

Highlights the presence of opposing elements or ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "internally contradictory" in a sentence?

You can use "internally contradictory" to describe a statement, argument, or system that has elements that conflict with each other. For example, "The politician's speech was "internally contradictory", as he claimed to support both tax cuts and increased government spending".

What phrases are similar to "internally contradictory"?

Similar phrases include "self-contradictory", "inconsistent within itself", or "logically inconsistent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "internally contradictory" in formal writing?

Yes, "internally contradictory" is suitable for formal writing. It's a precise and professional way to describe logical inconsistencies or conflicting elements within a subject.

What is the difference between "internally contradictory" and "externally contradictory"?

"Internally contradictory" means that the conflicting elements exist within the subject itself, while "externally contradictory" implies that the conflict arises from external factors or influences.