assertion to the contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assertion to the contrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement or claim that contradicts a previously made assertion or belief. Example: "Despite the assertion to the contrary, the evidence clearly supports our original conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

This is not true, and never has been, Gregory wrote, despite the government lawyers' "casual assertion" to the contrary.

The New Yorker

This is not true, and never has been, Gregory wrote, despite the government lawyers' "casual assertion" to the contrary.

The New Yorker

Gazprom denied this week that it had any interests in RosGas, despite Emfesz's assertion to the contrary.

The New York Times

The Court's assertion to the contrary, ante, at 12-13, is nothing short of sheer speculation about the state of mind of the District Judge.

Cornell University

"These actions are being taken within existing statutory authorities to support traditional military operations, and any assertion to the contrary is wrong," Mr. Di Rita said.

The New York Times

Jackson said that there was not total agreement among Islamic jurists on the point, but Luttwak's assertion to the contrary was wrong.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

His assertions to the contrary infuriate Reagan-watchers like Mr. Cannon.

The New York Times

Despite his assertions to the contrary, no national security crisis exists at the border.

The Washington Post

Despite public assertions to the contrary, that represents a serious blow to Celtic.

The Guardian - Sport

At first, the revelation fueled speculation that Mr. Corzine had instructed the transfer of customer funds, despite his assertions to the contrary.

The New York Times

There's no doubt that Jeremy Scott, despite his assertions to the contrary, was making a statement about the enslavement of human beings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assertion to the contrary", ensure the context clearly establishes the original assertion being contradicted. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "assertion to the contrary" when a simple disagreement or difference of opinion exists. "Assertion" implies a confident and forceful statement; use a weaker phrase if the original statement was tentative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assertion to the contrary" functions as a qualifier or refutation. It introduces a statement or evidence that contradicts a previously made claim. Ludwig AI confirms that it's generally considered correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

21%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assertion to the contrary" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a conflicting statement or evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. Remember to use it when directly refuting a previous claim and ensure clarity by establishing the original assertion. While alternatives like "claim to the contrary" or "statement to the contrary" exist, "assertion" implies a stronger contradiction. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing precision and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

claim to the contrary

Replaces "assertion" with "claim", offering a slightly less formal synonym. It implies a statement presented as a fact, which opposes a previous one.

statement to the contrary

Substitutes "assertion" with "statement", providing a more general term for something declared. Focus is more on simply saying something, rather than a strong belief.

argument to the contrary

Uses "argument" instead of "assertion", implying a reasoned or logical opposition. Conveys more of a debate or discussion.

evidence to the contrary

Focuses on contradictory proof rather than a mere statement. Useful when physical or documented evidence opposes a claim.

suggestion to the contrary

Indicates a milder form of contradiction, proposing an alternate view. Less direct and forceful than an assertion.

assurance to the contrary

Highlights a reassurance that the opposite is true, attempting to dispel doubt or concern.

representation to the contrary

Replaces assertion with representation, implying formal statement that the opposite is true.

declaration to the contrary

Uses declaration implying a formal or emphatic statement in opposition.

conclusion to the contrary

Highlights the opposite view drawn after consideration or deliberation.

point to the contrary

Uses "point" indicating an opposing detail or fact in opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "assertion to the contrary" in a sentence?

You can use "assertion to the contrary" to indicate that a statement or claim contradicts a previous one. For example, "Despite his "assertion to the contrary", the evidence suggests otherwise."

What's a more formal alternative to "assertion to the contrary"?

A more formal alternative could be "statement to the contrary" or "representation to the contrary", which are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is there a difference between "claim to the contrary" and "assertion to the contrary"?

While similar, "assertion" implies a confident and forceful statement, whereas "claim" can be a more general statement presented as a fact. Thus, ""assertion to the contrary"" suggests a stronger contradiction than "claim to the contrary".

When should I use "evidence to the contrary" instead of "assertion to the contrary"?

Use "evidence to the contrary" when you have specific facts or data that disprove the original statement. "Assertion to the contrary" is more general, indicating a contradictory statement without necessarily presenting concrete evidence.