significant irony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant irony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a notable or important contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs, often highlighting a deeper meaning or lesson. Example: "The significant irony of the situation was that the fire station burned down while the firefighters were responding to another emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It is a grim and significant irony that poor shooters in the N.B.A. hover just below fifty per cent, while good shooters rest just above fifty per cent.

The New Yorker

That McAlary made a name for himself by exposing police corruption, at the Daily News, where he broke the Abner Louima story, in 1997, is a significant irony that Ephron doesn't really capitalize on.

The New Yorker

The ball bounced back across goal, where Lampard was able to touch it over the line for a gift score to celebrate his temporary elevation to the captaincy, though the most significant irony was that Spain had been undone by a form of the game they eschew.

The Guardian - Sport

But, in a significant irony, her theorization of the mind conflicted with her analysis of Nazism in Origins and Eichmann.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

And, about that much-noted debate with Sarkozy over stoning, Ramadan finds a significant irony in where the two sparring partners are seven years later.

Huffington Post

A significant irony therefore develops from Ulysses' speech to his sailors—"Come, my friends, / 'Tis not too late to seek a newer world" (56 57).

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

During the day, I took the slipperiness of public officials personally — my moral dudgeon is freighted with irony in retrospect — and displayed significant promise as a reporter.

The New York Times - Magazine

The bitter irony is that there was still significant gender crossover in dress.

Huffington Post

It was hard to tell if it was irony or error but it was resonant of something significant about the grassy hillock.

Independent

Though covalent bonds in single polymer chain can lead to very high thermal conduction, it is irony that bulk polymers are thermal insulators due to significant phonon scattering.

Composites Science and Technology

And the irony of the situation is that hard hits are a significant part of the game, but players are being fined for doing their job.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact you wish to create. "Significant irony" can be used to emphasize the absurdity of a situation or to add depth to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "significant irony" when the situation merely presents an inconvenience or a minor twist of fate. The phrase implies a deeper, more meaningful contradiction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant irony" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'significant' modifies the noun 'irony'. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It highlights the importance or noteworthiness of an instance of irony.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant irony" is a grammatically sound and meaningful phrase used to highlight notable instances of irony. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When employing the phrase, ensure that the ironic contrast is clearly established. Alternatives such as "striking irony" or "profound irony" can provide nuanced emphasis. Remember, the irony should carry a substantial weight and reveal a deeper truth, as the term implies more than a simple twist of fate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striking irony

Emphasizes the unexpected or attention-grabbing nature of the ironic situation.

profound irony

Suggests a deeper, more meaningful level of irony.

major irony

Indicates the irony is substantial or of great importance.

notable irony

Highlights that the irony is worthy of being noticed or remembered.

remarkable irony

Points out that the irony is unusual and worth paying attention to.

considerable irony

Indicates that the degree of irony is quite large.

glaring irony

Stresses the obvious and easily noticeable nature of the ironic contrast.

obvious irony

Similar to 'glaring irony', but with a slightly less emphatic tone.

acute irony

Suggests the irony is sharp or intense.

palpable irony

Implies that the irony is so intense it can almost be felt or experienced.

FAQs

How can "significant irony" be used in a sentence?

You can use "significant irony" to highlight a notable contrast between expectations and reality. For example, "The "significant irony" was that the technology meant to connect people ultimately isolated them further".

What phrases are similar to "significant irony"?

Alternatives include "striking irony", "profound irony", or "major irony", each carrying slightly different connotations of emphasis or depth.

Is "significant irony" a formal or informal expression?

"Significant irony" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's most effective when analyzing complex or serious topics. Its use depends on the tone and subject matter.

What makes an irony "significant"?

An irony becomes "significant" when it carries substantial weight or reveals a deeper truth about a situation, often challenging assumptions or expectations in a meaningful way.