sense of contradiction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of contradiction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or awareness of conflicting ideas or statements within a particular context. Example: "In her speech, she expressed a strong sense of contradiction between her beliefs and her actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

So the festival offers a uniquely Andean trinity, combining worship of the Apus (mountain gods), Pachamama (the earth mother) and Jesus with no apparent sense of contradiction.

The New York Times - Travel

While Mr. Loach is unequivocally on the side of the union, his keen sense of contradiction and his storytelling knack keep his cruder propagandistic impulses in check.

The New York Times

At the same time, and with no sense of contradiction, the Nazis partook of a long-standing German romanticization of Native Americans.

The New Yorker

They offer an implicit critique of the optimistic, tolerant multiculturalism that has become a central feature of modern American ideology: a more fatalistic sense of contradiction and complication.

The New York Times

It seemed a cynical view, and yet, as Shu and Ming spoke, it was clear that they also maintained, without any sense of contradiction, a more old-fashioned belief that the social importance of marriage was absolute.

The New Yorker

You might expect to find any of these places in a cosmopolitan world city, but what sets KL apart are the staples of Malaysian society and culture that continue to underpin this advanced metropolis without a sense of contradiction.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Most of all they love to elaborate on what is not there, and, like all humans, try to make sense of contradictions, implausibility, reticence, and to uncover and make meaningful, as if it were Twitter, more puns than you can shake an olive branch at.

The Guardian - Film

Hybridity helps make sense of a contradiction in Said's own life and work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Earlier this month, I traveled to Mexico to try to make sense of this contradiction.

Huffington Post

It's the word we need for making sense of the contradiction that cuts through contemporary populism.

Huffington Post

Two years into Mr Netanyahu's term, Israeli pundits have given up trying to make sense of the contradictions in policy and have begun, instead, to believe that contradiction is the political strategy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of contradiction" when you want to convey an awareness or feeling of conflicting ideas or elements existing simultaneously. For greater impact, follow it with a clarifying phrase or clause detailing the specific contradiction being observed.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of contradiction" when merely describing a complex situation without a perceivable conflict of ideas. Instead, ensure that opposing elements create an actual contradiction to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of contradiction" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a feeling or awareness of opposing elements, as demonstrated by Ludwig in its examples of usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of contradiction" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes an awareness or feeling of conflicting ideas or elements. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. To use it effectively, ensure a genuine conflict exists. Alternatives include "awareness of paradox" and "feeling of incongruity". By understanding its nuances, writers can use this phrase to express complex observations in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognition of inconsistency

Focuses on identifying a lack of uniformity or coherence.

awareness of paradox

Focuses on the recognition of paradoxical elements, highlighting the coexistence of contradictory aspects.

understanding of discrepancy

Focuses on the comprehension of differences or inconsistencies.

feeling of incongruity

Highlights the emotional discomfort or dissonance arising from incompatible elements.

perception of conflict

Emphasizes the cognitive recognition of opposing forces or ideas.

insight into paradox

Stresses a deeper understanding or revelation about a paradox.

consciousness of disparity

Stresses the awareness of a significant difference or inequality.

notion of incompatibility

Focuses on a general idea or concept of things not being able to coexist harmoniously.

apprehension of opposition

Highlights the intuitive understanding of conflicting forces.

realization of antagonism

Emphasizes the discovery or sudden understanding of conflicting interests.

FAQs

How can "sense of contradiction" be used effectively in writing?

Using "sense of contradiction" is effective when you aim to highlight a conflict or paradox within a situation or character. For instance, "She felt a "sense of contradiction" between her desire for independence and her need for security."

What are some alternatives to "sense of contradiction"?

Alternatives to "sense of contradiction" include "awareness of paradox", "feeling of incongruity", or "perception of conflict". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a sense of contradiction" or "sense of contradictions"?

While "sense of contradiction" is generally used to describe a general feeling or awareness, "sense of contradictions" could be used if referring to multiple distinct instances. However, the singular form is more common and often preferred.

How does "sense of contradiction" differ from "cognitive dissonance"?

"Sense of contradiction" refers to the awareness of conflicting elements, while "cognitive dissonance" describes the mental discomfort experienced from holding conflicting beliefs or values. "Sense of contradiction" is about recognition, whereas cognitive dissonance is about the psychological effect.