sense of paradox

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of paradox" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a feeling or awareness of contradictory elements or situations that coexist. Example: "The artist's work evokes a strong sense of paradox, blending joy and sorrow in a single piece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Someone, Chesterton it may have been, identified the sense of paradox with spirituality.

The New York Times - Books

The scale and activity of this enormous reconstruction project — the second-largest in Manhattan, after the World Trade Center site — creates a peculiar sense of paradox.

The New York Times

But for a work that might at first be taken as an exceedingly talky allegory, "Omnium Gatherum" sustains a fluid, frantic sense of paradox that feels remarkably close to everyday life in the wake of 9/11.

The New York Times

The result is a novel shadowed throughout by what a literary theorist might term aporia: the unsettling sense of paradox that can batten on to what might seem an author's ostensible purpose.

The Guardian - Books

It is not without a sense of paradox that in a time of economic contraction John Lee Beatty has created two of his most opulent settings: "Dinner at Eight," which opened on Dec. 19 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, and "Tartuffe," which opened on Jan . 9at the American Airlines Theater.

The New York Times

He had a sense of paradox.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Afghan reaction on the Sept. 11 anniversary has mixed sympathy with a sense of the paradox involved for Afghanistan, which gained its freedom from the Taliban and Al Qaeda as a result.

The New York Times

Without further contextual information, even if this sort of explanation makes sense of the paradox, we have no particular reason to believe it is correct.

SEP

This paper is an attempt to show that a broad evolutionary and biological approach can provide a framework that makes sense of several paradoxes, including the fact that inner-city children, in whom childhood infections are rife, tend to have more rather than fewer inflammatory disorders, including allergies.

Clinical and Experimental Immunology

That sense of conflict and paradox belies the apparent sheen of Coward's play.

Independent

Since the late 1990s a surge of new books on the Founding Fathers, several of which have enjoyed surprising commercial and critical success, has begun to break free of the hyperbolic pattern and generate an adult rather than adolescent conversation in which a sense of irony and paradox replaces the old moralistic categories.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of paradox" when you want to express an awareness or feeling of contradictory elements existing together. It adds a layer of intellectual or emotional complexity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of paradox" in situations where a simple contradiction or inconsistency would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of paradox" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a feeling or awareness of contradictory elements. Ludwig examples show it used in literary analysis, philosophical discussions, and general observations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of paradox" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that expresses an awareness or feeling of contradictory elements. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. While not extremely common, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. Alternatives include "feeling of contradiction" or "awareness of duality". When using the phrase, ensure it fits the complexity of the situation and avoid overuse in simple scenarios. Its communicative purpose is to describe complex situations, and the register leans towards neutral to formal, commonly found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of contradiction

Focuses on the emotional experience of recognizing opposing elements.

awareness of duality

Highlights the perception and understanding of two contrasting aspects.

understanding of irony

Emphasizes the intellectual grasp of a situation where the intended meaning is the opposite of what is expressed.

recognition of incongruity

Stresses the acknowledgment of things being out of place or not fitting together.

appreciation of oxymoron

Specifically refers to the enjoyment or understanding of a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms.

consciousness of conflicting elements

Highlights the state of being aware of opposing components.

perception of conflicting ideas

Focuses on how someone sees or interprets contradictory thoughts.

grasp of inherent contradiction

Indicates a firm understanding of a contradiction that is a natural part of something.

realization of opposing forces

Emphasizes the understanding that contrasting powers are at play.

experience of cognitive dissonance

Refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or values.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of paradox" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of paradox" to describe a situation or feeling where contradictory elements exist. For example, "The play evoked a strong "sense of paradox", blending humor and tragedy."

What's a good alternative to "sense of paradox"?

Alternatives include "feeling of contradiction", "awareness of duality", or "understanding of irony", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sense of paradox" formal or informal?

"Sense of paradox" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in analytical or descriptive writing where you're exploring complex ideas.

What makes "sense of paradox" different from "irony"?

While related, ""sense of paradox"" refers to the general feeling or awareness of contradictory elements. "Irony" is a specific literary device where the intended meaning is the opposite of what is expressed. Irony may contribute to a sense of paradox.