absolutely the opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely the opposite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a complete contradiction or contrast to a previous statement or idea. Example: "While some believe that the new policy will improve productivity, I think it will have absolutely the opposite effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"It's absolutely the opposite.

The New York Times

"Absolutely the opposite.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No, it's absolutely the opposite.

The New Yorker

It's absolutely the opposite of composing.

The Guardian

So I actually set out to do absolutely the opposite.

The Guardian - Books

"That is absolutely the opposite of what is happening.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"There are people who think he is absolutely the best thing, and there are people who go absolutely in the opposite direction," Mr. Trickett said.

The New York Times

However, in real terms this idea is absolutely achieving the opposite.

The Guardian

It's absolutely become the opposite, which is about the plural, the collective, the distributed project".

The New York Times - Arts

E.L.: Absolutely, completely the opposite.

Huffington Post

It's absolutely the exact opposite of how we look at everything else in our lives".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "absolutely the opposite" when you want to negate a previous statement while adding emphasis, ensuring there is no room for ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely the opposite" for minor disagreements or differences of opinion. It's best reserved for situations where there is a clear and significant contradiction. Using it for less important things diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely the opposite" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies an implied verb. It emphatically negates a preceding statement or assumption. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, thus providing a strong contradiction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absolutely the opposite" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a complete reversal or contradiction of a prior statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for general use and appears most commonly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the situation warrants such a strong negation to avoid any misinterpretations. While acceptable in most settings, remember to reserve it for significant points of disagreement to maintain its emphasis. Alternatives like "completely the reverse" or "entirely the contrary" may offer a more formal tone if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely the reverse

Emphasizes a total reversal, similar to the query but with a slightly different phrasing.

entirely the contrary

Highlights a complete contradiction, offering a formal alternative.

exactly the other way around

Focuses on the reversal of direction or order.

the complete antithesis

Stresses the idea of being the direct opposite in nature or concept.

the direct opposite

A more straightforward way of expressing a complete contrast.

diametrically opposed

Implies a strong and fundamental opposition.

poles apart

Suggests a very wide divergence or difference.

at opposite extremes

Emphasizes the position at two ends of a spectrum.

a total contradiction

Highlights the conflicting nature of the statement or idea.

the very opposite

Emphasizes that something is the complete reverse.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely the opposite" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely the opposite" to strongly contradict a previous statement. For instance, "Some say this will increase sales, but I believe it's "absolutely the opposite"."

What's a more formal alternative to "absolutely the opposite"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "entirely the contrary" or "completely the reverse". These options maintain the sense of contradiction but sound more professional.

When is it appropriate to use "absolutely the opposite"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a complete reversal or contradiction of a previous statement or idea. Make sure the context warrants such a strong contrast.

Is "absolutely the opposite" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "absolutely the opposite" is grammatically correct. However, ensure that the context supports such a strong negation to avoid miscommunication.