are contrary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are contrary to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something contradicts or opposes something else. For example: "Their views on the issue are contrary to mine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Merit increases are contrary to union philosophy".

The New York Times

"High profile celebrity endorsements are contrary to our policy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In fact, inflated appraisals are contrary to our interests".

The New York Times

Academic boycotts are contrary to everything that academia stands for.

The Guardian

DON NICE makes paintings that are contrary to trends.

The New York Times

Some analysis results are contrary to our intuition.

Computer Communications

Physical restraints are contrary to patients' autonomy and freedom.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

A. Burdens on Books are Contrary to Law and Public Policy.

Stanford University

0.4.16.3.1 A. Burdens on Books are Contrary to Law and Public Policy.

Stanford University

Such burdens on books are contrary to law, public policy and Supreme Court precedent.

Stanford University

The regime has used dozens of methods that are contrary to international humanitarian law," he added.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are contrary to" to clearly indicate a direct contradiction or opposition between two ideas, principles, or actions. This phrase is effective in formal writing and conveys a strong sense of conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "are contrary to" when simply indicating a difference. The phrase implies a direct opposition, not just a variation. For simple differences, use phrases like "differ from" or "are different from" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are contrary to" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of opposition or contradiction. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in contexts where something conflicts with established norms, rules, or expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are contrary to" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating opposition or contradiction. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in numerous contexts, most commonly in news and media, scientific publications, and academic writing. The phrase functions as a predicate adjective, serving to highlight disagreement, divergence, or incompatibility between ideas, actions, or principles. While appropriate for formal and informal communication, it's particularly effective in formal settings due to its serious and direct tone. Related phrases like "are in opposition to" and "contradict" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings. When using "are contrary to", ensure that a true opposition exists rather than simply a difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in opposition to

Replaces "contrary" with "in opposition", focusing on direct conflict.

are in conflict with

Similar to "in opposition", but emphasizes clashing or incompatibility.

are at odds with

Implies disagreement or inconsistency between two things.

contradict

A more concise verb form expressing direct disagreement.

are inconsistent with

Highlights a lack of alignment or agreement.

are incompatible with

Focuses on the inability of two things to coexist or agree.

are antithetical to

Indicates a direct and fundamental opposition.

fly in the face of

Idiomatic expression meaning to openly defy or contradict.

run counter to

Indicates that something goes against or opposes another thing.

differ from

A more general term for indicating a difference or divergence.

FAQs

How to use "are contrary to" in a sentence?

Use "are contrary to" to indicate a direct opposition or contradiction. For example: "His actions "are contrary to" his words".

What can I say instead of "are contrary to"?

You can use alternatives like "are in opposition to", "contradict", or "are incompatible with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are contrary to" or "is contrary to"?

"Are contrary to" is used when referring to plural subjects, while "is contrary to" is used for singular subjects. For example: "These actions "are contrary to" the rules" versus "This action is contrary to the rules".

What's the difference between "are contrary to" and "differ from"?

"Are contrary to" implies a direct opposition or contradiction, while "differ from" simply indicates a difference without necessarily implying conflict. For example: "Their opinions "are contrary to" mine" suggests disagreement, while "Their opinions differ from mine" only suggests a difference in opinion.