assert the opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert the opposite" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where someone claims something that contradicts a previous statement or belief. Example: "In his argument, he chose to assert the opposite of what the evidence suggested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Soldiers on the ground offer a mixed picture of the danger they face, with some saying it is diminishing while many others assert the opposite.

The New York Times

But non-governmental organisations assert the opposite: kidnapping, once the scourge of the rich and famous only, is now afflicting the middle class, with ransoms as low as 100,000 pesos ($1,800).

The Economist

Some however, assert the opposite; that Creophylus wrote the poem, and that Homer lent his name in return for his entertainment.

University of Chicago

Bodek and Heywood[40] assert the opposite: well-to-tank emissions of diesel fuel provision are 13.6% higher than for petrol followed by another 7% CO2 emission surcharge of diesel over petrol in the tank-to-wheel phase (according to CONCAWE 2007 data[40]).

Environmental Sciences Europe

Two contradictory theories have emerged regarding the identities of the cast: some sources suggest they were people with low social status, but others assert the opposite.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In fact, the traditional definition asserts the opposite.

The New York Times - Books

It would probably signal a false narrative of trust in the Syrian government, despite widespread findings from surveys of refugees asserting the opposite.

The Washington Post

Yet when a woman asserts the opposite, she is hounded by the rightwing press (see: Labour leader hopeful Liz Kendall) or, as in America, Planned Parenthood is picketed and women are spat at in the street for not wanting babies.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Justice Jackson's dissent, joined by Justice Frankfurter, affirmatively asserted the opposite, with no contradiction from the court: "Due process does not invest any alien with a right to enter the United States, nor confer on those admitted the right to remain against the national will.

The New York Times

So Tiantai asserts the opposite, which is equally true.

SEP

In Or Hashem (P. 312) Crescas asserts the opposite position.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assert the opposite", ensure clarity in the context. It should be immediately clear what claim is being contradicted.

Common error

Avoid using "assert the opposite" when merely providing an alternative perspective. The phrase should indicate a direct contradiction, not just a different point of view.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert the opposite" functions as a verb phrase where 'assert' is the transitive verb taking 'the opposite' as its direct object. It is used to indicate a direct contradiction of a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this structure.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assert the opposite" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating direct contradiction. While not exceedingly common, its use is spread across News & Media, Academia, and Scientific writing, as confirmed by Ludwig. Ludwig AI's assessment affirms its validity, making it a suitable choice when precision in expressing opposing viewpoints is needed. Related alternatives include "claim the contrary" and "maintain the reverse", each offering subtle differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

claim the contrary

Replaces "assert" with "claim" maintaining the meaning of stating something different.

maintain the reverse

Uses "maintain" instead of "assert" and "reverse" for "opposite", focusing on upholding a conflicting view.

argue the contrary

Emphasizes a debate or discussion by using "argue" instead of "assert".

contend the opposite

Replaces "assert" with "contend", suggesting a more forceful declaration of the opposing viewpoint.

profess the contrary

Uses "profess" to imply a formal declaration of the opposing view.

state the reverse

A more direct and simple substitution, replacing "assert" with "state".

allege the opposite

Suggests a claim without proof, using "allege" instead of "assert".

posit the reverse

Implies a more academic or theoretical declaration using "posit".

declare the contrary

Emphasizes a formal and explicit statement of the opposing viewpoint by using "declare".

affirm the reverse

Focuses on confirming the opposing viewpoint by using "affirm".

FAQs

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

Use "assert the opposite" when you want to indicate that someone is claiming something that directly contradicts a previously stated fact or belief. For example: "While some believe X, others "assert the opposite"."

What are some alternatives to saying "assert the opposite"?

You can use phrases like "claim the contrary", "maintain the reverse", or "argue the contrary" as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "assert the opposite" and "suggest the opposite"?

"Assert the opposite" implies a strong, confident statement of contradiction. "Suggest the opposite", on the other hand, implies a more subtle or indirect indication of a conflicting viewpoint.

When is it appropriate to use "assert the opposite" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a direct contradiction between two claims or viewpoints. It's particularly useful in academic, analytical, or argumentative writing where precise language is important.