paradoxical statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paradoxical statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement that contradicts itself or presents a situation that seems impossible or illogical. Example: "The phrase 'less is more' is a classic example of a paradoxical statement that challenges conventional thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Koan, Japanese Kōan, in Zen Buddhism of Japan, a succinct paradoxical statement or question used as a meditation discipline for novices, particularly in the Rinzai sect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I revolt, therefore we are" (R, 22) is his paradoxical statement.

SEP

According to Vlastos, Socrates came to believe a paradoxical statement (virtue is knowledge), because he overlooked the distinction between knowing-how and knowing-that, not because he thought one was a kind of the other.

SEP

With the historic election of Barack Obama, much of white America made a paradoxical statement: racism is over, they declared, now we want our country back.

Huffington Post

Even the concern that Tehran might cheat is a paradoxical statement of Iran's autonomy in the sense that Tehran cannot be completely controlled from outside.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Among the methods it practices are shouts (katsu) or blows delivered by the master on the disciple, question-and-answer sessions (mondo), and meditation on paradoxical statements (koan), all intended to accelerate a breakthrough of the normal boundaries of consciousness and to awaken insight that transcends logical distinctions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some modern scholars have suggested that it ought to be understood primarily as a satire or consciously paradoxical work that deliberately makes incompatible and paradoxical statements to amuse the reader (Bowen 1972: 249 56; Korkowski 1976: 594 607).

SEP

Damasio is aware that readers may find this view a shade paradoxical: "The statement departs radically from traditional wisdom and may sound implausible at first glance.

The New York Times - Books

He called Samson's language a "paradoxical assertion," where a person asserts a point in one part of a statement and then negates it in another.

Huffington Post

Concise slogans that convey only one message seem to work better than a paradoxical combination of statements in a combined slogan.

Food Quality and Preference

The opening statement, the paradoxical thesis, appears to be a syntactic contradiction.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paradoxical statement" to introduce an idea that challenges conventional thinking or presents a seemingly impossible situation. It's effective for sparking curiosity and encouraging deeper analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "paradoxical statement" to describe any statement that is simply false or factually incorrect. A true paradox contains elements that, while seemingly contradictory, can reveal a deeper truth or insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paradoxical statement" functions as a noun phrase that describes a statement characterized by paradox. It identifies a specific type of utterance known for its self-contradictory or counterintuitive nature. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paradoxical statement" refers to an assertion that, while seemingly contradictory, may contain a deeper truth or insight. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, although it appears with uncommon frequency, primarily in Encyclopedias, Science, and News & Media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the statement truly presents a paradox and isn't merely a factual error. Alternatives like "self-contradictory assertion" or "contradictory proposition" can provide nuanced variations. Employ this phrase strategically to stimulate critical thinking and reveal complexities within a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-contradictory assertion

Emphasizes the internal contradiction within the statement itself.

contradictory proposition

Highlights the contradictory nature of the idea being presented as a fact.

inconsistent declaration

Focuses on the lack of logical consistency in the expressed opinion or belief.

conflicting remark

Underlines the presence of opposing elements within the spoken or written comment.

anomalous claim

Stresses the deviation from the norm or expected pattern in the statement.

enigmatic utterance

Highlights the mysterious and difficult-to-interpret nature of the spoken words.

puzzling pronouncement

Emphasizes the confusing or bewildering effect of the formal declaration.

ironic expression

Focuses on the use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal interpretation.

counterintuitive communication

Stresses that the idea goes against what one would instinctively expect.

absurd contention

Highlights the unreasonable or illogical nature of the argument being made.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "paradoxical statement" in a sentence?

Introduce a "paradoxical statement" to highlight a conflict in ideas or to present a situation that seems self-contradictory but reveals a hidden truth. For example: "The phrase 'the more you learn, the less you know' is a classic "paradoxical statement" that reflects the humbling nature of knowledge acquisition."

What are some alternatives to using "paradoxical statement"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "self-contradictory assertion", "contradictory proposition", or "inconsistent declaration". These alternatives emphasize different aspects of the statement's conflicting nature.

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

Yes, "paradoxical statement" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or analytical contexts where you are discussing logical inconsistencies or challenging commonly held beliefs. However, ensure the paradox is genuine and not just a superficial contradiction.

What's the difference between a "paradoxical statement" and an oxymoron?

While both involve contradiction, a "paradoxical statement" presents a situation that seems contradictory but may contain a deeper truth, whereas an oxymoron combines two contradictory terms in a concise phrase (e.g., "bittersweet"). The "ironic expression" focuses more on language, while the "paradoxical statement" focuses more on the concept.