a contrary belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a contrary belief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a belief that opposes or contradicts another belief or idea. Example: "While many people support the new policy, there is a contrary belief that it may lead to negative consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Rep. 301, we expressed the deference which must be accorded to local beliefs, saying that we would not overthrow an exercise of police power based on them to protect health merely because of our adherence to a contrary belief.

Cornell University

"A recipient cannot avow the belief dictated" by the government, he wrote, "and then turn around and assert a contrary belief, or claim neutrality, when participating in activities on its own time and dime".

The New York Times

The best books for children teach parent and child the same lesson, but each takes it in a different spirit: life is easier than it looks; left to your own devices, you'll be O.K... Against this simple rule runs a contrary belief that what children want from books is instruction and that they deserve to get it, hard.

The New Yorker

But as Chief Justice Roberts explained, this condition is coercive because a recipient has to take an affirmative position and is not allowed to get funds "and then turn around and assert a contrary belief, or claim neutrality, when participating in activities on its own time and dime".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Finally, our finding that the advisors found it possible to promote physical activity right from the start of the clinic is consistent with previous research that found the simultaneous promotion of multiple health behaviours changes to be more effective than the sequential promotion of multiple changes [ 27] despite a common contrary belief [ 1].

BMC Health Services Research

As opposed to contrary belief, it is not a certain roles' job to organize objectives for your team.

WikiHow

Poker is a game of numbers, probability, patience and, despite the American government's contrary belief, immense skill.

The Economist

Yet the contrary belief prevails.

The Guardian

Rote memorization, despite contrary beliefs are really helpful if combined with mnemonics, if applied the right way.

WikiHow

"The intellectual winds of the last three centuries have blown in a direction contrary to belief in miracles," Larson concluded.

Huffington Post

Dutton said that "it should be within the law for teachers to be employed at that school that share that religious belief, not a contrary view, and I think there needs to be similar protections put in place".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, clearly articulate the original belief to provide context for the contrasting one. This enhances clarity and prevents confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "a contrary belief" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "opposing viewpoint" or "conflicting opinion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contrary belief" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces an opposing viewpoint or idea. It is used to present a perspective that differs from a previously stated or commonly held belief, adding complexity and nuance to discussions as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a contrary belief" is a noun phrase used to introduce opposing viewpoints or ideas, aiming to highlight contrast and encourage critical thinking. Ludwig AI considers the phrase grammatically correct and usable across different contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's most frequently found in news, academic and scientific sources. To enhance your writing, articulate both the original and the contrary beliefs clearly, and consider using synonyms to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an opposing viewpoint

Emphasizes the viewpoint aspect, highlighting the difference in perspective.

a conflicting opinion

Focuses on the conflict between opinions, suggesting a stronger disagreement.

a dissenting view

Implies a formal disagreement, often within a group or organization.

an alternative belief

Suggests a different belief exists, without necessarily implying direct opposition.

a contrasting perspective

Highlights the difference in perspective, framing it as a contrast.

a divergent opinion

Suggests opinions are moving in different directions, away from each other.

an inverse belief

Suggests a directly opposite belief or idea.

a reverse conviction

Highlights the firm holding of a belief that is the opposite of the original one.

a counterclaim

Often used in argumentative contexts to denote a statement that opposes a previous claim.

a rebuttal

Used to describe the act of proving something wrong, thus demonstrating a contrary belief.

FAQs

How can I use "a contrary belief" in a sentence?

You can use "a contrary belief" to introduce an opposing idea or viewpoint. For example: "While many support the policy, there's "a contrary belief" that it may have unintended consequences."

What are some alternatives to "a contrary belief"?

Some alternatives include "an opposing viewpoint", "a conflicting opinion", or "a dissenting view". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the original belief when introducing "a contrary belief"?

While not always required, explicitly stating the original belief provides context and enhances clarity. This helps the audience understand the contrast being presented.

What is the difference between "a contrary belief" and "an alternative belief"?

"A contrary belief" implies a direct opposition or contradiction to an existing belief. "An alternative belief" "an alternative belief" simply suggests a different belief exists, without necessarily implying a conflict.