utterly contradictory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly contradictory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two statements or ideas that completely oppose each other. Example: "The two reports presented utterly contradictory findings, leaving the committee confused about the true situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And judges can't figure out what it means, either.On July 22nd two appeals courts offered utterly contradictory interpretations.

The Economist

From the outset, the films (adapted from Suzanne Collins' fantasy novels) have pulled in utterly contradictory directions.

Independent

To many of us, this position is utterly contradictory, but the government has continued to pursue this dual track.

The Guardian - Opinion

Farmers dumped dead piglets outside the office of the hauliers' union.Britain nurtures two utterly contradictory notions of its character in times of hardship.

The Economist

"I do find it extraordinary that those who want Britain to leave the EU seem to hold to two utterly contradictory propositions at the same time.

The Guardian

Which is why the neoliberal right in Britain has utterly contradictory instincts over Europe – they want the free trade bit but they don't want the free people bit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But he also knows that they're not deterministic in the lives of individuals, that the historical stakes and the intimate ones, the long-term scope of ideas and the immediate desires that drive people, are utterly dissimilar, askew, even contradictory.

The New Yorker

Always, Joana's internal narrative expands each moment into a universe of thought: wild, chaotic, ricocheting between despair and joy, contradictory and logical, utterly fierce.

Los Angeles Times

The very notion of putting anti-Semitism and Zionism on the same moral plane is utterly preposterous and, of course, contradictory.

Huffington Post

We live in a world that has grown increasingly complex and contradictory, angry and fearful, polarized but utterly interdependent.

Huffington Post

Jefferson's character was so multilayered and contradictory that successive generations have identified with and celebrated utterly different aspects of the same man.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly contradictory" to emphasize a strong and complete contradiction, ensuring that the context clearly demonstrates the opposing nature of the elements being described. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to highlight the irreconcilable differences or inconsistencies.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly contradictory" in situations where a milder term like "slightly different" or "somewhat inconsistent" would be more appropriate. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact when it's truly needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly contradictory" functions as an adjective phrase, where "utterly" intensifies the adjective "contradictory". According to Ludwig, this combination describes something that is completely and irreconcilably opposed. Examples from Ludwig show it describing interpretations, directions, and propositions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly contradictory" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, according to Ludwig. It is employed to emphasize a complete and irreconcilable opposition between two or more things. While relatively uncommon, it appears frequently in news and media sources and maintains a neutral register suitable for formal writing. To enhance clarity, writers should aim to use it in contexts where the opposition is genuinely strong, avoiding overuse in less critical situations. The related phrases provided offer nuanced options for expressing similar ideas with varied emphasis. The AI analysis indicates that "utterly contradictory" is a valid and effective way to highlight significant inconsistencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely inconsistent

Replaces "contradictory" with "inconsistent" and "utterly" with "completely", emphasizing the lack of agreement between two things.

entirely conflicting

Uses "conflicting" instead of "contradictory" and "entirely" instead of "utterly", highlighting the opposition between two things.

absolutely irreconcilable

Employs "irreconcilable" to stress the impossibility of bringing two things into agreement, replacing "utterly" with "absolutely" for emphasis.

diametrically opposed

Uses a more formal tone, suggesting a direct and complete opposition, diverging from the more emphatic "utterly".

mutually exclusive

Indicates that two things cannot both be true or valid, focusing on the impossibility of coexistence.

patently incompatible

Highlights the obvious and undeniable nature of the incompatibility, replacing "utterly" with "patently".

fundamentally clashing

Focuses on the basic and essential conflict between two things, replacing "utterly" with "fundamentally" and "contradictory" with "clashing".

in complete opposition

Rephrases the concept to emphasize the state of being completely against each other.

totally at odds

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the idea of disagreement or conflict, replacing "utterly" with "totally".

markedly divergent

Highlights the noticeable difference and deviation between two things, replacing "utterly" with "markedly".

FAQs

How can I use "utterly contradictory" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly contradictory" to describe statements, ideas, or actions that are completely opposed to each other. For example: "The witness testimonies were "utterly contradictory", making it difficult to determine the truth."

What's the difference between "utterly contradictory" and "slightly contradictory"?

"Utterly contradictory" indicates a complete and irreconcilable opposition, while "slightly contradictory" suggests only a minor or partial inconsistency. The choice depends on the degree of contradiction you want to convey.

What are some alternatives to "utterly contradictory"?

Alternatives include "completely inconsistent", "entirely conflicting", or "absolutely irreconcilable", depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is "utterly contradictory" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "utterly contradictory" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize a strong contradiction. However, consider the tone and context of your writing to ensure it aligns with your intended message.