Contrary to expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Contrary to expectations" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing outcomes that differ from what was anticipated. Example: "Contrary to expectations, the team performed exceptionally well." Alternative expressions include "In contrast to expectations" and "Opposite to what was expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Contrary to expectations, Filippo Inzaghi remains the manager of Milan.

The Guardian - Sport

Contrary to expectations, and rather disappointingly, there wasn't much sex.

The Guardian - Film

Contrary to expectations, younger respondents failed to keep up.

The New York Times

Contrary to expectations, however, it didn't quite go down a storm.

The Guardian

Contrary to expectations, this concerned more male than female therapists, he said.

The Guardian

Contrary to expectations, strangers bloomed into friends with the speed of flowers in a Disney documentary.

The New York Times - Travel

Contrary to expectations, Sackey will not have had a restful night.

The Guardian - Sport

Contrary to expectations, you don't get to monkey around with ARTPOP's songs within the app.

The Guardian - Tech

Contrary to expectations, other parameters (dissolved iron, ammonium, etc).

Journal of Hydrology

Contrary to expectations, oral contraceptives also did not affect progesterone.

Physiology & Behavior

Contrary to expectations, hand position did not influence search performance.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Contrary to expectations" to introduce a fact or result that contradicts what most people would assume. This can create emphasis and highlight the unexpected nature of the information.

Common error

Avoid using "Contrary to expectations" when simply presenting a different perspective without an actual unexpected outcome. Ensure there is a genuine deviation from a reasonable prediction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Contrary to expectations" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by indicating that the information presented is surprising or deviates from what was anticipated. Ludwig examples show the phrase introducing unexpected outcomes in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Contrary to expectations" is a correct and versatile phrase used to introduce information that diverges from what is typically anticipated. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase, primarily serving to emphasize unexpected outcomes. Its prevalence in both scientific and news media underscores its utility in conveying surprising findings or events. Remember to ensure a genuine contradiction exists before employing this phrase to avoid misinterpretations. Alternative expressions like "surprisingly" or "unexpectedly" can be used to provide similar meaning when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Contrary to what one might think

Addresses a presumed belief before presenting the unexpected truth.

Surprisingly

Similar to unexpectedly, but carries a slightly stronger sense of astonishment.

Unexpectedly

A simpler adverb that emphasizes the lack of anticipation.

Despite anticipation

Highlights that something happened even though it wasn't looked for.

Against all odds

Focuses on overcoming difficulties rather than just differing from expectations.

In defiance of expectations

Emphasizes a resistance or challenge to what was predicted.

In an unforeseen turn of events

More dramatic and emphasizes the unexpected nature of the development.

In an unusual twist

Implies a plot or narrative element of surprise.

Deviating from the norm

Highlights the departure from usual patterns.

What was not bargained for

Emphasizes that the event took place despite not being part of any prior negotiation or plan.

FAQs

How can I use "Contrary to expectations" in a sentence?

Use "Contrary to expectations" to introduce a statement that differs from what might be predicted or assumed. For example, "Contrary to expectations, the film received positive reviews."

What are some alternatives to "Contrary to expectations"?

Alternatives include "surprisingly", "unexpectedly", or "against all odds". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "Contrary to expectations" in formal writing?

Yes, "Contrary to expectations" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to introduce a surprising or unexpected result. As stated by Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and usable in writing.

What's the difference between "Contrary to expectations" and "In line with expectations"?

"Contrary to expectations" indicates something happened that was not predicted or assumed. "In line with expectations", on the other hand, means something happened as predicted or anticipated.