it was paradoxical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was paradoxical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that appears contradictory or illogical. Example: The scientist's findings were deemed paradoxical by his peers, as they went against the commonly accepted theories in the field.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was paradoxical.

The New Yorker

Betsy McCaughey, who became a hospital infection crusader after serving as the New York lieutenant governor, said it was paradoxical that the centers encourage hospital screening for H.I.V. but not for bacterial infections, which are associated with seven times as many deaths.

The New York Times

In view of such criticism, governors said, it was paradoxical for the Clinton administration to try to slash Medicaid payments to states like Illinois and New York, which say they have used the money to expand health programs for the poor.

The New York Times

The chancellor said it was paradoxical that Britain had criticised Germany and other EU states for using so-called transitional arrangements to temporarily restrict the free movement of workers from eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004 and 2007, but now wanted to restrict movement across the bloc.

The Guardian

It was paradoxical, then, that in the bars and cafes on Place du Forum, where the curious and the dedicated gather nightly on the opening week, the main talking point last week was the sprawling exhibition of new work by Wolfgang Tillmans, in which the colour tones are often dramatic and the world they reflect sometimes seems to have emerged, glossy, metallic and unreal, from a JG Ballard novel.

The Guardian - Arts

Although exogenous IFNγ inhibits RANKL-induced human osteoclasto-genesis, it was paradoxical that IFNγ-producing human T cells induced osteoclast formation in a RANKL-dependent mechanism (discussed below) [ 69].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's paradoxical".

The New York Times

Well, it's paradoxical.

The Guardian

"It's paradoxical," Mr. Pehe said.

The New York Times

"It's paradoxical and it's unsettling," she said.

The Guardian

Though it is paradoxical, it is a strategy premium companies often take, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was paradoxical" to introduce a statement that seems self-contradictory or contrary to expectation. Be sure to follow it with an explanation that clarifies the apparent contradiction.

Common error

Avoid using "it was paradoxical" simply as a sophisticated-sounding phrase. Ensure that you genuinely identify a paradox and clearly articulate the conflicting elements to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was paradoxical" functions as an introductory clause or sentence fragment, setting the stage for a statement that appears self-contradictory or contrary to common sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and used to preface such situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was paradoxical" is a grammatically correct and usable way to introduce a statement that appears self-contradictory or illogical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. While not extremely common, its presence in news, media, and scientific sources indicates a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly explain the apparent contradiction to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as "it was contradictory" or "it defied logic" can be used to convey similar meanings. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase without providing sufficient context and reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it presented a paradox

Formally introduces the idea that the situation is a genuine paradox, inviting deeper analysis.

it was contradictory

This alternative directly points out the presence of conflicting elements within the situation.

it seemed self-contradictory

This emphasizes the internal conflict within the statement or situation itself.

it was counterintuitive

Highlights that the situation goes against what one would naturally expect or assume.

it was inconsistent

Focuses on the lack of uniformity or logical coherence in the situation.

it was logically flawed

Focuses on the defects in reasoning or argumentation present in the situation.

it was an anomaly

This suggests a deviation from the norm or what is expected, highlighting the unusual nature of the situation.

it was a strange irony

This draws attention to the unexpected or incongruous nature of the event.

it defied logic

Emphasizes the irrational or inexplicable nature of the situation.

it made no sense

This emphasizes the lack of intelligibility or reason in the situation.

FAQs

How to use "it was paradoxical" in a sentence?

Use "it was paradoxical" to introduce a situation or statement that appears contradictory or illogical, setting up an explanation of the apparent contradiction. For example, "It was paradoxical that the more he tried to help, the worse the situation became."

What can I say instead of "it was paradoxical"?

You can use alternatives like "it was contradictory", "it was counterintuitive", or "it defied logic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explain why something "it was paradoxical"?

Yes, it's crucial to explain the apparent contradiction when using "it was paradoxical". Otherwise, the statement may confuse readers rather than enlighten them.

What is the difference between "it was paradoxical" and "it was ironic"?

"It was paradoxical" points to a self-contradictory situation that can potentially be resolved through further understanding. "It was ironic" refers to a situation where the outcome is the opposite of what was expected, often with a sense of wry amusement.