as a contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a contrary" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct in standard usage.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express something that opposes or contradicts a previous statement or idea, but it is more typical to use "on the contrary" instead. Example: "Some people believe that exercise is harmful; on the contrary, it is essential for good health."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

In his lifetime, George Orwell was regarded, even by his friends, as a contrary man.

The New Yorker

Mr. Breit finds VaR, a commonly used measure, useful only as a contrary indicator.

The New York Times

In fact, if oil-price movements have any relevance at all in economic forecasting, it is as a contrary indicator.

The Guardian - Business

Of course, Mr. McManus and many other professional investors view bearishness by small investors as a contrary indicator.

The New York Times

And as we improvised more, the film became more pessimistic, then — in brief spurts, as a contrary reaction — so high-spirited that it almost became optimistic.

The New Yorker

Or, as a contrary example, Christmas decorations are made throughout the year, but their sales are concentrated in a four- to six-week period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The success of this sweet-natured love story has been cited as evidence of a contrary trend towards the gentle and heartfelt.

The Guardian

This week saw the Commons voting overwhelmingly on Monday to outlaw fox hunting, and the Lords just as overwhelmingly passing a contrary measure the next day that would restrict the sport but allow it to continue.

The New York Times

But think of Corbyn, not as a politician, but as a totemic figure, a contrary, a shamanic clown come to throw the system's failings into sharp relief, and I promise you can all enjoy his career as much as I am.

The Guardian - Opinion

While audiences naturally decay in the life cycle of a film, a rise in festive feeling as Christmas approaches applies a contrary dynamic in this case.

The Guardian - Film

(Note: There is no way to neutralize the evidential effect of a contrary as there is with mere counter-evidence).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "on the contrary" or "in contrast" for clearer and more impactful writing. These alternatives are generally preferred in formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "as a contrary" in formal essays or professional reports where precision and clarity are paramount. Opt for phrases like "on the contrary" or "conversely" to maintain a polished and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a contrary" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a contrasting or opposing element to a previously stated idea. It often serves to highlight an alternative perspective or example.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a contrary" is used to introduce a contrasting point or example. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig indicates that it's less common and idiomatic than alternatives like "on the contrary" or "in contrast". Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, with a slightly formal register. When writing, consider these alternatives for improved clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the contrary

More common and idiomatic way to express direct opposition or contradiction.

in contrast

Highlights a difference between two things, focusing on their distinct characteristics.

conversely

Indicates a reversal of a previous statement or idea, often used in formal contexts.

as opposed to

Emphasizes the difference between two options or ideas, presenting them as alternatives.

in opposition to

Highlights direct disagreement or resistance to something, often used in political or social contexts.

by contrast

Similar to "in contrast", but with a slightly more formal tone.

contrary to

Introduces a statement that contradicts a common belief or expectation.

on the flip side

Offers an alternative perspective, often presenting a positive or negative aspect that contrasts with the previous one.

unlike

Points out a difference between two things, often used to emphasize the unique qualities of one.

to the contrary

Formal way to state that the opposite of what has been said is true.

FAQs

What does "as a contrary" mean?

The phrase "as a contrary" indicates an opposing or contrasting viewpoint. However, it's less common than alternatives such as "on the contrary" or "in contrast".

Is "as a contrary" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "as a contrary" is less idiomatic than other options. It can sound awkward, especially in formal writing. Consider using phrases like "on the contrary" or "conversely" for better clarity and flow.

What are some alternatives to "as a contrary"?

Common alternatives include "on the contrary", "in contrast", "conversely", and "as opposed to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "as a contrary" to introduce a statement that opposes or contrasts with a previous one. For example, "Some believe it's beneficial; as a contrary example, consider the negative impact it had on the environment". However, using "on the contrary" would be more natural in this case.