self-contradiction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-contradiction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or proposition that contradicts itself or is logically inconsistent. Example: "His claim that he is always honest is a clear self-contradiction, as he has lied multiple times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Naturally, being rational requires not contradicting oneself, but there is no self-contradiction in the maxim "I will make lying promises when it achieves something I want".

SEP

But Hoving excelled at self-contradiction.

The New Yorker

Mr. Poirier himself cherished self-contradiction.

The New York Times

This line of thinking swiftly stumbles into self-contradiction.

The New York Times

Paul did not avoid self-contradiction (1 Corinthians 11 5, 14 34 35).

Britannica

This is a prescription for self-contradiction and we've been getting plenty of it.

The New Yorker

The campaign's disregard for linguistic precision shows itself in the slogan's self-contradiction.

The New Yorker

In the world according to Donald Trump, schism, self-contradiction and paradox are the new normal.

The Guardian

She wanted him here, nearby, but felt no edge of self-contradiction or self-denial.

The New Yorker

The Charvakas regard the scriptures as characterized by the three faults: falsity, self-contradiction, and tautology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Political analysts noted a strain of self-contradiction in his stance on dealing with the Taliban.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self-contradiction" precisely to describe statements that negate themselves, avoiding its misuse for mere disagreement or opposition.

Common error

Avoid labeling every statement you disagree with as a "self-contradiction". A true "self-contradiction" involves a statement that inherently negates itself, not simply one that you find incorrect or objectionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-contradiction" functions primarily as a noun, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a statement or situation that contains opposing elements, negating its own validity. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

22%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-contradiction" is a frequently used noun phrase employed to denote statements or situations containing inherent logical flaws. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various writing styles. Usage is common in news, academic, and scientific contexts, where identifying logical inconsistencies is critical. When using the term, be sure to differentiate true "self-contradictions" from mere disagreements. Alternatives like "internal inconsistency" or "logical paradox" can be used to provide subtle differences in emphasis, but the core concept remains the same: a statement that negates itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

internal inconsistency

Emphasizes the lack of logical coherence within a statement or argument.

logical paradox

Highlights the paradoxical nature of a statement that defies logical reasoning.

inherent contradiction

Stresses that the contradiction is a fundamental and inseparable part of the subject.

mutually exclusive

Indicates elements that cannot coexist or be true simultaneously.

conflicting statements

Highlights the presence of statements that disagree or oppose each other.

paradoxical nature

Focuses on the seemingly contradictory elements that may reveal a deeper truth.

inconsistent behavior

Shifts the focus to actions that do not align with stated beliefs or intentions.

cognitive dissonance

Describes the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs.

doublethink

Implies holding two contradictory beliefs simultaneously and accepting both of them.

logical fallacy

Highlights a flaw in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.

FAQs

How can I identify a "self-contradiction" in an argument?

A "self-contradiction" occurs when a statement includes elements that negate each other. Look for assertions where one part of the statement makes another part impossible or untrue. For example, claiming to be a "married bachelor" is a "self-contradiction".

What are some synonyms for "self-contradiction"?

Alternatives to "self-contradiction" include "internal inconsistency", "logical paradox", or "inherent contradiction", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "self-contradiction" in formal writing?

Yes, "self-contradiction" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a precise term used in logic, philosophy, and critical analysis across various academic and professional contexts.

How does "self-contradiction" differ from a paradox?

While both involve seemingly contradictory elements, a "self-contradiction" is always logically false. A paradox, on the other hand, may contain a deeper truth or resolution, even if it appears contradictory on the surface. For example, “This statement is false” is a classic paradox, not necessarily a "self-contradiction" in every context.