assert the contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert the contrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to state or declare something that opposes or contradicts a previous statement or belief. Example: "While many believe that the project will fail, I am here to assert the contrary and present evidence of its potential success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr. Bush says he has gone out of his way to assert the contrary.

The New York Times

If the notion weren't still alive, the culturally advanced wouldn't be at such pains to assert the contrary — that the cinema is always some form of illusion, that "realism" is itself no more than a single style among many.

The New Yorker

Unsurprisingly, some working the compatibilist side of the street have been quick to assert the contrary.

SEP

"Claims included in this report that assert the contrary are simply wrong," Senators Mitch McConnell and Saxby Chambliss said in a joint statement.

BBC

"If the capacity of knowing, be the natural impression contended for, all the truths a man ever comes to know, will, by this account, be every one of them, innate; and this great point will amount to no more, but only an improper way of speaking; which whilst it pretends to assert the contrary, says nothing different from those, who deny innate principles.

SEP

Claims included in this report that assert the contrary are simply wrong".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A17 The Bush campaign worked to assure Roman Catholics that the governor was a friend, in response to phone calls asserting the contrary; Mr. Bush's deep support among Christian conservatives; and his visit to Bob Jones University, whose officers have made anti-Catholic statements in the past.

The New York Times

People usually telegraph such things, such as by asserting the contrary, for example.

Forbes

Design that will resist pressure from the "powers" (wherever located) who would like to "subject" order to their own interests or points of view, to assert, on the contrary, principles of freedom, coexistence, solidarity and equality, though still leaving space for change (Nel.lo 2012).

City, Territory and Architecture

In fact, they assert quite the contrary is true and that when those interests diverge "economic elites and business interests almost always win and ordinary citizens lose".

Huffington Post

While it is true, moreover, that Farley once took four Coca-Cola men along with him for a private audience with Pope Pius, he never, despite a good deal of wishful Left Wing thinking and asserting to the contrary, urged His Holiness either to substitute Coke for sacramental wine or to substitute "Drink Coca-Cola" for "Dominus vobiscum".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assert the contrary" when you want to formally and directly state a viewpoint that opposes a previously mentioned statement or commonly held belief. This phrase is effective in academic, legal, or journalistic contexts where clarity and precision are important.

Common error

Avoid using "assert the contrary" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound stilted or pretentious in settings where simpler language would be more appropriate. Instead, opt for phrases like "I disagree" or "I think the opposite" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert the contrary" functions as a declarative expression used to introduce a statement that opposes a previously mentioned idea or belief. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a way to directly state an opposing viewpoint. The provided examples highlight its role in expressing disagreement or correction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

45%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assert the contrary" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a statement that opposes a previous one. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable and valid. While not exceedingly common, occurring with "Uncommon" frequency, it appears across reputable sources like The New York Times, Huffington Post and The New Yorker in the contexts of News & Media and Science. Although, in informal situations, it is recommended to use other alternatives to preserve tone and/or context, the phrase is suitable for situations requiring precision. It's important to remember to use the most direct tone possible for a specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

claim the opposite

Replaces "assert" with "claim", focusing on the act of stating an opposing view.

state the opposite

Substitutes "assert" with "state", emphasizing a direct declaration of an opposing viewpoint.

argue the reverse

Replaces "assert" with "argue", highlighting the presentation of reasons supporting an opposing view.

maintain the opposite

Uses "maintain" instead of "assert", suggesting a persistent holding of an opposing position.

contend the contrary

Replaces "assert" with "contend", indicating a forceful assertion of the opposing viewpoint.

profess the contrary

Uses "profess" instead of "assert", implying a declared belief in the opposing viewpoint.

declare the opposite

Substitutes "assert" with "declare", emphasizing a formal announcement of the opposing view.

affirm the contrary

Replaces "assert" with "affirm", highlighting a confident statement of the opposing view.

attest the contrary

Uses "attest" instead of "assert", suggesting a testimony or evidence supporting the opposing viewpoint.

posit the opposite

Replaces "assert" with "posit", implying a proposed idea of the opposing viewpoint.

FAQs

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

You can use "assert the contrary" to introduce a statement that opposes a previous one. For example, "While many believe the project will fail, I "assert the contrary" and present evidence of its potential success."

What's a less formal alternative to "assert the contrary"?

Less formal alternatives include "I disagree", "I think the opposite", or "Actually, I believe something different". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "assert to the contrary"?

While grammatically understandable, "assert to the contrary" is less common and generally less preferred than simply ""assert the contrary"".

What's the difference between "claim the opposite" and "assert the contrary"?

"Claim the opposite" is generally more neutral, while "assert the contrary" often carries a slightly stronger, more forceful tone, suggesting confidence in the opposing view.