au contraire

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the contrary" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express the opposite of what has previously been said or is the accepted opinion. For example: "Organic fruits and vegetables are too expensive." "On the contrary, they can often be more affordable than their non-organic counterparts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the contrary.

The New York Times

On the contrary, he replied.

The New Yorker

On the contrary, as Brig.

The New York Times

"On the contrary," Eddington replied.

The New Yorker

On the contrary, say detractors.

The Economist

"On the contrary, on the contrary.

The Guardian

No. On the contrary.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is, on the contrary, irreplaceable.

The New Yorker

On the contrary, I reject transphobia completely.

Independent

"On the contrary, reinforcements are being sent".

Independent

On the contrary, he'd been robbed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "au contraire" to politely introduce a contrasting viewpoint or correct a misconception. It adds a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "au contraire" in very informal settings. While it's generally acceptable, it can sound pretentious if the context doesn't call for it. Instead, consider a more casual alternative like "actually" or "not really".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "au contraire" is as an adverbial phrase or discourse marker. It serves to introduce a statement that contradicts or contrasts with a previous one. Ludwig and its examples confirm that "au contraire" commonly functions to signal disagreement or correction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Au contraire" is a phrase of French origin used to express opposition or disagreement with a previous statement. As Ludwig highlights, it functions as an adverbial phrase or discourse marker and is considered grammatically correct with a neutral to formal register. While it is widely used, alternatives like "on the contrary", "quite the opposite", and "conversely", may be preferred based on the context. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media and academic writing, and its use is best suited to situations where a slightly more sophisticated tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the contrary

Direct translation and most common alternative. The structure is basically identical to the original phrase.

to the contrary

A slightly more formal variation, indicating disagreement.

quite the opposite

Emphasizes the opposing nature of the situation or statement.

just the reverse

Highlights that the opposite is true.

conversely

A more formal term indicating an opposite viewpoint or situation.

far from it

Strongly denies a previous statement, emphasizing its inaccuracy.

on the flip side

An informal way to introduce an opposing perspective.

in opposition to that

A more explicit way of stating disagreement.

as a matter of fact

Introduces a contrasting or correcting statement, often with emphasis.

if anything

Suggests that the opposite might be true, often used to soften disagreement.

FAQs

How do you use "au contraire" in a sentence?

"Au contraire" is used to express the opposite of what has just been said or implied. For example, "You think this plan will fail? Au contraire, I believe it will succeed greatly".

What's the difference between "au contraire" and "on the contrary"?

Both "au contraire" and "on the contrary" have the same meaning, expressing opposition or contrast. "Au contraire" is French, while "on the contrary" is English. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience; "au contraire" can sound slightly more sophisticated.

What can I say instead of "au contraire"?

You can use alternatives like "on the contrary", "quite the opposite", or "conversely" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "au contraire" in formal writing?

Yes, "au contraire" is suitable for formal writing, adding a touch of elegance when introducing a contrasting point. However, ensure the context aligns with its somewhat elevated tone; alternatives like "to the contrary" might be preferred in purely technical or legal contexts.