be contrary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be contrary to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is in opposition or disagreement with something else. Example: "The new policy will be contrary to the established guidelines that have been in place for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

be contrary to the national will".

The New York Times

That would be contrary to our traditions".

The Guardian

Next thing we read will be "Contrary to earlier reports..

University of California, Berkeley

It would be contrary to what Machrihanish Dunes is about".

The New York Times - Sports

It would be contrary to the very basis of community.

The Guardian

That would be contrary to most people's notion of democracy.

The Guardian - Books

This would be contrary to the law, it is argued.

The Guardian

But that would be contrary to his faith in quantification.

The Economist

The Court's precedents appear to me to be contrary to this new objective approach.

Cornell University

Should they do so, it is implied this would be contrary to U.S. interests.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Moreover, if these were contraries, they would themselves be contrary to themselves.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be contrary to", ensure that the two elements being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The proposed changes would be contrary to the company's core values."

Common error

While "be contrary to" is generally suitable for formal and neutral contexts, avoid using it in highly informal situations where simpler alternatives like "go against" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be contrary to" functions as a predicate adjective describing a subject's relationship of opposition or conflict with something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase indicates disagreement or incompatibility. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be contrary to" is a versatile phrase used to express opposition or conflict. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, its function is to highlight contradictions or disagreements. When writing, consider the level of formality, and remember that while alternatives exist, "be contrary to" provides a specific nuance of inherent conflict. With its frequent use in authoritative sources, mastering this phrase enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run counter to

Indicates a direction or action that is opposite or against something.

be in opposition to

Clearly states a position of being against something.

be at odds with

Implies a state of disagreement or opposition.

be at variance with

Suggests a discrepancy or contradiction.

conflict with

Indicates a clash or incompatibility with something else.

fly in the face of

Expresses a bold and direct contradiction.

clash with

Suggests a forceful disagreement or collision of ideas.

be inconsistent with

Highlights a lack of uniformity or agreement.

contradict

Expresses a direct opposition or denial of something.

differ from

Indicates a deviation or dissimilarity.

FAQs

What does "be contrary to" mean?

The phrase "be contrary to" means to be in opposition to, in conflict with, or against something. It suggests a contradiction or incompatibility between two things.

How can I use "be contrary to" in a sentence?

You can use "be contrary to" to show that something is against a rule, belief, or principle. For example, "His actions "were contrary to" the company's policy."

What are some alternatives to "be contrary to"?

Some alternatives to "be contrary to" include "conflict with", "contradict", "be at odds with", or "run counter to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be contrary to" or "oppose"?

Both "be contrary to" and "oppose" can express disagreement, but "be contrary to" often implies a more inherent conflict or contradiction, while "oppose" suggests active resistance. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.