argue the contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "argue the contrary" is a valid and common phrase in written English.
You can use "argue the contrary" when you want to present a point that is opposite to or contradicts your opponent's point. For example, "My opponent believes that the death penalty should be abolished, but I will argue the contrary and suggest that it should remain in place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I do think also that some people reasonably could argue the contrary.

The New York Times

To argue the contrary is a self-serving idea being promoted by the very wealthy.

The New York Times

Yet others might argue the contrary, that a number of high profile race-related incidents over the past year suggest a lack of progress.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nevertheless, Carroll continued to argue the contrary, and published an extensive account of her spying activities in order to seek both recognition and back pay.

The New York Times

Professor Hunt might suggest that an emotional woman is unsuited to academic research, but I would argue the contrary: that the emotional woman (and man) are exactly what academia needs.

The Guardian

Perhaps Whitman exaggerated baseball's importance to and its congruency with life in the United States, but few would argue the contrary, that baseball has been merely a simple or an occasional diversion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But it is conservatively wrought, even for the 1950's; resolutely tonal; and to most ears other than Mr. Menotti's own (he has spent a lifetime arguing the contrary), indebted to the sound-world of 19th-century Italian verismo.

The New York Times - Arts

Israeli voices argued the contrary, saying that moving against Hamas in the Gaza Strip would show that Israel would not tolerate suicide attacks from there, just as it did in the West Bank.

The New York Times

When physicians profit from every procedure, it is too easy for some to justify it as in the patient's best interest even when sound clinical judgment argues the contrary.

The New York Times

To attack Baumeister's notion, Mischel supplies a paper that argues the contrary, and also cites the work of Stanford's Professor Carol Dweck, who thinks our levels of willpower depend, to a great extent, on our beliefs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Labour meanwhile argues the contrary, calculating that it is unfair that, for example, two parents on £40,000 will still be entitled to full child benefit whilst a family where one parent works on £60,000 loses it altogether.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "argue the contrary", clearly state the original claim you are arguing against to provide context for your counter-argument.

Common error

Avoid using "argue the contrary" without specifying which aspect of a broader argument you are disputing. This can lead to confusion about the precise point of contention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argue the contrary" functions as a verbal phrase used to introduce a counter-argument or opposition to a previously stated claim or position. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates a direct disagreement and intention to present an opposing viewpoint. It is useful when someone wants to clearly denote an intention to contradict.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "argue the contrary" is a valid and relatively common expression used to introduce a counter-argument. Grammatically sound, it functions as a verbal phrase to indicate disagreement and the intention to present an opposing viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its utility in clearly denoting a contradiction. While applicable in varied contexts, it is most frequently observed in news media, encyclopedia and scientific articles. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to explicitly state the claim being opposed when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "assert the opposite" or "contend otherwise" offer similar means of expressing disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present a counter-argument

Focuses on introducing a contradictory argument.

contend otherwise

Highlights the act of arguing a different point of view.

counter that argument

Presents a response that negates or weakens the original argument.

assert the opposite

Focuses on a firm declaration of an opposing view.

take the opposite stance

Emphasizes adopting a position that is directly opposed.

oppose that view

Expresses direct opposition to a particular opinion.

dispute that claim

Directly challenges a specific assertion.

maintain the reverse

Emphasizes holding a conflicting position.

reject that idea

Focuses on outright refusal to accept an idea.

take issue with that

Indicates a disagreement with something that has been stated.

FAQs

How can I use "argue the contrary" in a sentence?

You can use "argue the contrary" when you want to present a point that is opposite to or contradicts your opponent's point. For example, "My opponent believes that the tax cuts will stimulate the economy, but I will "argue the contrary" and suggest that they will only benefit the wealthy."

What's a formal way to say "argue the contrary"?

In a formal setting, you could use phrases like "assert the opposite", "contend otherwise", or "present a counter-argument".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what I'm arguing against when I "argue the contrary"?

While not always grammatically required, explicitly stating the claim you're opposing ensures clarity and prevents misinterpretation, especially in complex discussions.

What's the difference between "argue the contrary" and simply disagreeing?

"Argue the contrary" implies a more developed argument against a specific point, whereas simply disagreeing can be a general expression of opposition without detailed reasoning.