self-contradictory

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "self-contradictory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something appears to contradict itself, such as a statement or idea. For example: "His argument was so self-contradictory that no one could make sense of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Thus the initial statement is self-contradictory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rational thinking rules out what is self-contradictory.

The Guardian

A self-contradictory brief, an obdurate producer, talentless talent.

The Guardian - Music

He can be obnoxious, tendentious and maddeningly self-contradictory.

The New York Times

One of his efforts, though, seemed self-contradictory.

The New York Times

If those ideas are sometimes self-contradictory, so be it.

The Economist

We all hold self-contradictory convictions at any given moment.

The Economist

It's incoherent, self-contradictory and, most shameful of all, never spine-chilling.

The Guardian - Film

Shapiro's vision of materialist America is brutally honest, complex, and self-contradictory.

The New Yorker

You're just too lazy or inarticulate to express any other than these four, self-contradictory ones.

The Guardian - Tech

Winik has a novelist's understanding that a realistic character is always self-contradictory.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self-contradictory" to precisely describe statements, arguments, or systems that contain conflicting elements, undermining their logical integrity. It adds clarity when pointing out inherent inconsistencies.

Common error

Avoid using "self-contradictory" when simply describing differing opinions or perspectives. It's reserved for situations where a statement or idea inherently undermines itself, not just when people disagree.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "self-contradictory" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns by describing them as containing elements that contradict each other. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-contradictory" is a frequently used and grammatically sound adjective that serves to pinpoint internal inconsistencies within a statement or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal and informal contexts, especially in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. While "self-contradictory" is strong, consider related terms like "logically inconsistent" or "paradoxical" for nuanced situations. Remember to use "self-contradictory" when describing genuine self-negation, not mere disagreement. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the term to enhance the clarity and precision of your writing. Avoid overuse and make sure you are pointing out something that is undermining itself internally, not just something with which you disagree. The phrase "self-contradictory" is best used to describe flaws in logical reasoning and internal structures within an idea or argument, so make sure you reserve its power for the right occasion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradictory

A more straightforward synonym, emphasizing the direct opposition of elements.

self-refuting

Indicates that a statement undermines itself through its own claims.

logically inconsistent

Emphasizes a flaw in the logical structure of an argument or statement.

self-negating

Implies that a statement cancels itself out or invalidates its own meaning.

conflicting

Highlights the presence of opposing elements or ideas.

internally inconsistent

Focuses on the lack of internal coherence within something.

inconsistent within itself

Stresses the lack of uniformity or agreement within something.

paradoxical

Highlights the seemingly contradictory nature of a statement that may reveal a deeper truth.

at odds with itself

Implies an internal conflict or opposition within a single entity or idea.

mutually exclusive

Suggests that two or more elements cannot coexist or be true at the same time.

FAQs

How can I use "self-contradictory" in a sentence?

You can use "self-contradictory" to describe something that contains conflicting elements. For example: "The politician's promises were "self-contradictory", making it difficult to trust his platform".

What are some synonyms for "self-contradictory"?

Some synonyms for "self-contradictory" include "paradoxical", "inconsistent", and "conflicting". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "self-contradictory" in formal writing?

Yes, "self-contradictory" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a precise term that can be used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to point out logical inconsistencies.

What's the difference between "contradictory" and "self-contradictory"?

"Contradictory" generally means opposing or inconsistent with something else. "Self-contradictory" specifically refers to something that contains opposing elements within itself, undermining its own validity. It can also be described as "internally inconsistent".