such an irony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such an irony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a situation that is contrary to what one would expect, often in a humorous or poignant way. Example: "It was such an irony that the fire station burned down while the firefighters were out on a call."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It's such an irony," Jeffrey Shernoff said in an interview on Wednesday.

The New York Times

"It's such an irony, but it seems like I'm playing football all over again.

The New York Times

"And it's such an irony that she ended up in this situation.

The New York Times

One would hope that such an irony of our history would not be missed, but I wonder".

The Guardian

"And it's such an irony if Dr. Hornsby should be asked to leave after the first good thing he's done".

The New York Times

STRAUSS -- Maybe the reason is that early on you set up an image for yourself that people are holding you to? SPEARS -- See, that's such an irony.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's such a tragic irony that a fire from a Christmas tree would kill the children".

The New York Times

"It is such a strange irony that Mike died basically a sudden death in his sleep," Dr. Greenberg said.

The New York Times

Such a complex irony-laced vision suggests that Ms. Walker may be forced by her own creative urges to take up a paintbrush before all is said and done.

The New York Times - Arts

While one can hardly imagine the verbal calisthenics such an exercise in irony requires of the President and his speechwriters, one can at this point expect to hear a speech similar to the one he gave at West Point -- an extension of the hackneyed argument that the broader long-term goal of peace requires organized military escalation in the short-term.

Huffington Post

[1] Ironically (if there is such a thing as irony in this hopelessly ironic world), their relationship was cemented by a deception.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such an irony" to express surprise or amusement at a situation that is the opposite of what you would expect.

Common error

Ensure you're using "such an irony" to describe a situation that is genuinely ironic—where there's a contrast between expectation and reality—rather than merely unexpected or unfortunate. It's not simply a synonym for "bad luck".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "such an irony" is to act as a noun phrase that serves as a comment or observation on a situation. It highlights the presence of irony, often expressing surprise or emphasis. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such an irony" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to highlight ironic situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news and media. It serves to draw attention to incongruities and express surprise or amusement. While versatile, it's important to ensure the situation is genuinely ironic to avoid misuse. Consider related phrases like "how ironic" or "what a coincidence" for nuanced expressions. Remember to always verify the appropriateness for tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how ironic

A shorter, more direct way of expressing irony.

the situation is full of irony

Highlights that the situation contains multiple instances of irony.

the irony is striking

Emphasizes the obviousness of the ironic situation.

it's an ironic twist

Highlights the unexpected and ironic nature of a development.

the irony couldn't be more apparent

Indicates that the irony is very clear and obvious.

it's a classic case of irony

Identifies the situation as a typical or well-known example of irony.

what a coincidence

Replaces "irony" with "coincidence", focusing on the unexpected nature of the situation.

ironically enough

Introduces an ironic statement or situation.

it's a paradoxical situation

Replaces "irony" with "paradoxical situation", highlighting the contradictory elements.

what an ironic twist of fate

Emphasizes the role of fate in creating the ironic situation.

FAQs

How can I use "such an irony" in a sentence?

You can use "such an irony" to point out a situation that is the opposite of what is expected. For example, "It's "such an irony" that the lifeguard drowned."

What phrases are similar to "such an irony"?

Alternatives to "such an irony" include "how ironic", "what a coincidence", or "ironically enough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "such an irony" and "what an irony"?

While both phrases express irony, "such an irony" often implies a stronger sense of surprise or disbelief compared to "what an irony". The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "such an irony" in formal writing?

Yes, "such an irony" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when highlighting a significant or noteworthy contradiction. However, be mindful of the tone and context to ensure it aligns with the overall formality of the piece.