ironically

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ironically" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb used to indicate that something unexpected or paradoxical has happened or is the case. For example, "Ironically, the cat was afraid of the mouse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ironically, breast ironing, which many female proponents believe deters teenage sex, may be contributing to a significant number of adverse consequences.

The Guardian

Essentially the posts gave him privileged access to internal networks: ironing out problems, making systems work more efficiently and, ironically, making sure they were secure.

The Guardian

Ironically, these demonstrations rely on the very thing that they seek to end.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is exactly the mistake Europe made, ironically in handling Germany, over war reparations in 1919.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ironically, it is something like the same for the white working class.

The Guardian

78440ca3-cf3b-44d0-8f12-63b392ed9ec6 There was a real, honest-to-goodness baseball story in the Bronx on Wednesday, and ironically enough it came with an asterisk, the same sort of marking that some want to put next to the record-breaking numbers of those who played in the so-called steroid era.

The Guardian - Sport

Hirst is delighted with the commanding pose – intended ironically, but recalling old master paintings of popes and princes.

The Guardian - Arts

The coal export facility is ironically located on Abbot Point.

The Guardian

Richard Grenell, a longtime US spokesman at the United Nations who was briefly a national security spokesman for the Mitt Romney presidential campaign, said Clinton was, ironically, in a singularly vulnerable spot on foreign policy among the potential candidates.

The Guardian

It would have also revealed that Khan was in the US to film his new movie, My Name is Khan, which is ironically about a Muslim man with Asperger's falsely detained after 9/11 due to his "suspicious behaviour".

The Guardian - Opinion

Ironically, Clinton recently recognised that disaster can result when Washington dictates other nations' policies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ironically" to highlight situations where the outcome is the opposite of what was expected, adding depth and nuance to your writing. Remember that the situation should be genuinely unexpected, not merely unfortunate.

Common error

Avoid using "ironically" simply to describe an unfortunate event. True irony involves a contradiction between expectation and reality, not just bad luck. For example, saying "Ironically, it rained on my vacation" is incorrect if there was no expectation of good weather.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ironically" is as an adverb, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate a situation that is the opposite of what one would expect. Ludwig AI confirms its usage as an adverb. The provided examples demonstrate its ability to modify entire sentences, highlighting unexpected outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Opinion

15%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ironically" is a versatile adverb used to introduce a situation that is the opposite of what is expected. Ludwig confirms it to be grammatically correct, and the numerous examples provided showcase its frequent use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While it can be used in more formal contexts, ensure its usage conveys a genuine sense of contrast between expectation and reality, rather than a simple misfortune. The sources confirms a neutral register for this adverb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Paradoxically

Emphasizes the contradictory nature of the situation, highlighting a statement that appears self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth.

Contradictorily

Highlights the presence of opposing elements or statements within a situation, focusing on the inconsistency.

Unexpectedly

Focuses on the surprise element of a situation, deviating from what was predicted or anticipated.

Incongruously

Emphasizes the lack of harmony or compatibility within a situation, pointing out the absurdity of the combination.

Surprisingly enough

Directly introduces an element of astonishment or disbelief, often preceding a statement that contradicts expectations.

As luck would have it

Highlights the role of chance or fate in producing an unexpected outcome, usually with a touch of humor or cynicism.

Of all things

Expresses extreme surprise or disbelief at a particular occurrence, often implying that it was the least likely outcome.

Go figure

Expresses mild surprise or amusement at an unexpected or inexplicable event, often used rhetorically.

Believe it or not

Challenges the listener's or reader's skepticism, introducing a statement that may seem improbable but is nonetheless true.

Strangely enough

Introduces a situation that is peculiar or unusual, inviting the audience to consider its oddity.

FAQs

How to use "ironically" in a sentence?

Use "ironically" to introduce a situation that is the opposite of what might be expected, creating a sense of contrast. For example: "Ironically, he failed the test after boasting about how easy it would be."

What can I say instead of "ironically"?

You can use alternatives like "paradoxically", "unexpectedly", or "incongruously" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ironically" or "ironic"?

"Ironically" is an adverb, used to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. "Ironic" is an adjective, used to describe a noun. For example, "Ironically, it rained" (adverb) vs. "It was an ironic situation" (adjective).

What's the difference between "ironically" and "coincidentally"?

"Ironically" implies a situation where the outcome is the opposite of what was expected, whereas "coincidentally" simply means that two or more things happen at the same time by chance. For example, "Ironically, the fire station burned down" (unexpected), vs. "Coincidentally, we met at the airport" (chance).