ironic that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ironic that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to highlight a situation or outcome that is contrary to what one would expect, often in a humorous or poignant way. An example: "It's ironic that the fire station burned down." Alternative expressions include "it's paradoxical that" and "it's amusing that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ironic, that!" The success of the publication has sparked imitators.

The Guardian - Tech

How ironic that is.

TechCrunch

"How ironic that that person is sad.

Independent

How ironic that now seems.

The Guardian - Opinion

I guess it's ironic that we're here.

The New York Times - Sports

It may be ironic that she found it in Barlow.

The New Yorker

"Its ironic that it was always my charity," she says.

The New York Times

It's ironic that low-income taxpayers are invisible.

The Washington Post

"Yes, that was ironic that they chose me," he said.

The Washington Post

Even so, it's rather ironic that … Hang on.

The Guardian - Opinion

So it's ironic that waiting is what brought us together".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ironic that" to highlight unexpected, incongruous, or contradictory situations. This adds depth and can create a moment of reflection for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "ironic that" when merely describing an unfortunate or coincidental event. Irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality; coincidence simply involves chance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ironic that" functions as an adjectival phrase introducing a clause. It sets the stage to emphasize the ironic nature of the situation described in the clause. As Ludwig AI notes, it is a common and grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ironic that" is a versatile phrase used to spotlight situations characterized by incongruity or unexpected twists. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While it maintains a generally neutral register, writers should be mindful of choosing more precise vocabulary in highly formal settings. Common errors include mistaking coincidence for true irony. Alternatives like "ironically" or "the irony is" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis, based on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ironically

A single-word adverb that directly expresses the ironic nature of a situation.

The irony is

Directly points out the ironic element of the situation.

It's a paradox that

Emphasizes the contradictory nature of the situation.

It's a strange twist that

Highlights the unexpected or unusual aspect of the situation.

How paradoxical

A rhetorical exclamation emphasizing the contradictory aspect.

It's quite a coincidence that

Suggests an unexpected alignment of events.

It's a curious turn of events that

Focuses on the unexpected change in circumstances.

It's strangely fitting that

Suggests an odd appropriateness in the situation.

As fate would have it

Implies that the unexpected outcome was predetermined.

Oddly enough

Highlights the peculiar nature of the situation.

FAQs

What does "ironic that" mean?

The phrase "ironic that" is used to point out a situation where there's a contrast between what's expected and what actually occurs. It often implies a sense of incongruity or unexpectedness.

How can I use "ironic that" in a sentence?

You can use "ironic that" to introduce a clause that explains the ironic situation. For example, "It's "ironic that" he failed the driving test after boasting about his skills."

What are some alternatives to saying "ironic that"?

Alternatives include "ironically", "it's a paradox that", or "the "irony is"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "ironic that"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to use the phrase "ironic that" in written and spoken English. It's a common and grammatically sound way to introduce an ironic situation.