paradoxical situation

USAGE SUMMARY

"paradoxical situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a contradiction between two seemingly opposite opinions, facts, or events, such as when someone is forced to choose between two mutually exclusive options. For example: "Harrison found himself in a paradoxical situation: if he stayed, he risked being hurt, but if he left, he would regret it for the rest of his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This seemingly paradoxical situation is called Skolem's Paradox.

SEP

It is a paradoxical situation.

Independent

"It is a paradoxical situation," Dr. Saeed said.

The New York Times

"It's a paradoxical situation, where we're urging them to take territory".

The New York Times

"We have a paradoxical situation," Sergiy Taran, director of Kiev's International Democracy Institute, said.

The Guardian

The coalition government's response to this paradoxical situation is breezy condescension masked as hard-headed practicality.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is a paradoxical situation," said Mr. Vergne, the labor lawyer.

The New York Times

Rock musicians in the first decade of the 21st century found themselves in a paradoxical situation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This paradoxical situation was resolved - or, perhaps, doubly complicated - when Jean joined him under the Dôme in 1946.

The Guardian - Books

But we then get into this paradoxical situation: many of the groups arguing against repression in those societies are fundamentalists and anti-American.

The New York Times - Arts

Otherwise, one ends up in a paradoxical situation: because populists exclude, we exclude them; because they demonise their opponents, we demonise them.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paradoxical situation" to describe circumstances where two or more aspects seem contradictory yet coexist.

Common error

Avoid using "paradoxical situation" for simple contradictions. Reserve it for situations where the contradiction is subtle and requires deeper analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paradoxical situation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of affairs characterized by seemingly contradictory elements. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and usable status in written English. Examples illustrate its usage across diverse contexts, highlighting inherent contradictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

52%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paradoxical situation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes circumstances involving inherent contradictions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, use it to highlight subtle contradictions rather than simple oppositions. Related phrases include "ironic situation" and "curious situation", each subtly shifting the emphasis. By understanding its function and common usage, writers can effectively use "paradoxical situation" to convey complex and nuanced ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ironic situation

Highlights the contrast between expectation and reality within the situation.

warped situation

Emphasizes the distorted or abnormal nature of the situation.

curious situation

Highlights the intriguing and unusual nature of the situation.

puzzling situation

Focuses on the confusing and inexplicable elements of the situation.

incongruous situation

Highlights the lack of harmony or compatibility within the situation.

peculiar situation

Emphasizes the odd and distinctive qualities of the situation.

contentious situation

Highlights the presence of conflict and disagreement within the situation.

nonsensical situation

Focuses on the lack of logic or reason within the situation.

astonishing situation

Emphasizes the surprising and remarkable aspects of the situation.

counterproductive situation

Focuses on the self-defeating or detrimental aspects of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "paradoxical situation" in a sentence?

You can use "paradoxical situation" to describe a scenario where seemingly contradictory elements exist simultaneously. For example, "The company was in a "paradoxical situation": it was making record profits, yet its employees were deeply unhappy."

What's a good alternative to "paradoxical situation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "ironic situation", "curious situation", or "incongruous situation".

Is it appropriate to use "paradoxical situation" in formal writing?

Yes, "paradoxical situation" is suitable for formal writing. It is often found in academic, news, and business contexts.

What makes a situation "paradoxical"?

A situation is considered "paradoxical" when it involves conflicting elements that seem impossible or contradictory but are nonetheless true or possible. It often defies expectations or conventional logic.