it is contradictory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is contradictory' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe when two statements or ideas oppose each other. For example, "She said she was happy, but her behavior indicated that it was contradictory."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

In turn, this leads to the idealistic interpretation of existence, in which ∃xP x) means ¬∀x¬P x) ("it is contradictory that P x) be false for every x").

SEP

Thus just as mathematicians will assert P only when they have decided that P holds by proving it, they may assert P ∨ Q only when they either can produce a proof of P or else produce one of Q. Classical logic gets round this by widening the interpretation of disjunction: it interprets P ∨ Q as ¬ ¬P∧¬Q), or in other words, "it is contradictory that both P and Q be false".

SEP

Yes, it is contradictory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is contradictory of everything I've said before.

The New York Times

It is contradictory, like so much in the Bolívarian Revolution.

The Guardian

Furthermore, matter, as philosophers conceive it, does not exist, and indeed it is contradictory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's very complex and it's contradictory.

The Guardian - Film

"It's absolutely stultifying, it's brilliant, it's repetitive, it's contradictory.

The Guardian - Books

He added: "It's absolutely stultifying, it's brilliant, it's repetitive, it's contradictory.

The New York Times - Books

"It's a bit sad, and it's contradictory," said Dr Antoine Nziengui.

The Guardian

"I guess you're right that it's contradictory," Schumer said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is contradictory", ensure that you clearly identify the two opposing elements or ideas to avoid ambiguity. Providing context is key.

Common error

Avoid using "it is contradictory" when you simply mean 'it is surprising' or 'unexpected'. Contradiction implies a direct logical opposition, not merely an unexpected outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is contradictory" functions as a statement expressing logical opposition or inconsistency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly points out that two or more ideas, statements, or actions cannot coexist without creating a logical fallacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is contradictory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express logical opposition or inconsistency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its applications span diverse fields, including science, news media, and encyclopedic references. Though versatile, it's crucial to pinpoint the specific conflicting elements when using this phrase, ensuring clarity and impact. While alternatives like "it is inconsistent" or "it is paradoxical" exist, "it is contradictory" serves as a robust tool for analytical writing and discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is inconsistent

Replaces "contradictory" with "inconsistent", focusing on a lack of uniformity or logical coherence.

it is paradoxical

Substitutes "contradictory" with "paradoxical", highlighting a seemingly self-contradictory statement or situation that may be true.

it is incompatible

Replaces "contradictory" with "incompatible", emphasizing the inability of two things to exist or occur together.

it is at odds

Uses the idiomatic expression "at odds" instead of "contradictory", suggesting disagreement or conflict.

it is conflicting

Substitutes "contradictory" with "conflicting", highlighting the presence of opposing elements.

it is self-defeating

Replaces "contradictory" with "self-defeating", indicating that an action or plan undermines itself.

it is illogical

Substitutes "contradictory" with "illogical", emphasizing the absence of sound reasoning.

it defies logic

Uses the expression "defies logic" instead of "contradictory", suggesting that something cannot be understood or explained reasonably.

it presents a conflict

Rephrases "it is contradictory" to "it presents a conflict", focusing on the clashing elements involved.

it doesn't add up

Uses the informal expression "doesn't add up" in place of "contradictory", highlighting a lack of coherence or consistency.

FAQs

How can I use "it is contradictory" in a sentence?

Use "it is contradictory" to point out an inconsistency between two statements, ideas, or actions. For example, "Saying you support environmental protection while driving an SUV is contradictory."

What can I say instead of "it is contradictory"?

You can use alternatives like "it is inconsistent", "it is paradoxical", or "it is incompatible" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "it is contradictory"?

"It is contradictory" is appropriate when there is a direct opposition or logical inconsistency between two elements. Make sure the elements are clearly defined to avoid confusion.

What's the difference between "it is contradictory" and "it is ironic"?

"It is contradictory" refers to a direct logical opposition, while irony often involves a contrast between expectation and reality. A situation can be ironic without being strictly contradictory, and vice versa.