be contrary to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be contrary to the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that opposes or conflicts with another idea, rule, or principle. Example: "The new policy seems to be contrary to the established guidelines we have followed for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

be contrary to the national will".

The New York Times

If so, it will be contrary to the separation of powers doctrine that underlies our democracy.

The Guardian

*No law shall be contrary to the beliefs and practices of Islam.

The New York Times

He asserted that it "would be contrary to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs".

The New York Times

The company said: [This must] be contrary to the desired outcome.

The Guardian - Business

He appears to be, contrary to the allegations, a very gentle soul".

The New York Times

"They want their final image to be contrary to the one painted by their opponents.

The New York Times

Any other course would be contrary "to the spirit which imbues our judicial tribunals prohibiting decision without hearing"...

The New York Times

This would be contrary to the goal of increasing transparency and accountability from tax-exempt organizations to the public".

The New York Times - Sports

In a statement, Paul Rosen, Ms. Lane's lawyer, declared the termination to be contrary to the terms of her contract.

The New York Times - Arts

He says he doesn't really have one because that would be "contrary to the spirit of the thing".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be contrary to the", ensure that the subject it refers to is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This is contrary to the rules", specify which "this" refers to: "This action is contrary to the established company rules".

Common error

Avoid using "be contrary to the" in overly complex sentences, as it can make the sentence difficult to parse. Simplify the sentence structure or replace it with a more direct phrase like "opposes" or "conflicts with" to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be contrary to the" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject by indicating that it opposes or violates a specified rule, principle, or expectation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

12%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be contrary to the" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses opposition or violation of a rule or principle. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, spanning across news, scientific, and formal business communications.

When using this phrase, ensure clarity by clearly defining the subject and avoiding overuse in complex sentences. Consider alternatives like "contradict the" or "conflict with" for a more direct and simple expression. With a strong presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "be contrary to the" remains a reliable and valuable expression in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradict the

Directly opposes or goes against a statement or idea.

conflict with

Clashes or is incompatible with something else.

run counter to

Moves in the opposite direction or acts against.

be at odds with

Disagrees or is in conflict with.

clash with

To be in opposition; not in agreement or harmony.

be in opposition to

To stand against a particular idea or action.

deviate from

Departs from an established course or standard.

go against

Acts in opposition or disagreement.

be inconsistent with

Lacks uniformity or coherence with something else.

differ from

To be unlike or dissimilar to something else.

FAQs

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

Use "be contrary to the" to indicate that something opposes or violates a rule, principle, or expectation. For example, "The proposed changes would "be contrary to the" established policy".

What are some alternatives to "be contrary to the"?

You can use alternatives such as "contradict the", "conflict with", or "run counter to" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "be contrary to the" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "be contrary to the" can sometimes sound overly formal. Consider simpler alternatives like "opposes" or "violates" if they fit the context and maintain the intended meaning.

How does "be contrary to the" differ from "be in line with"?

"Be contrary to the" indicates opposition or disagreement, while "be in line with" suggests agreement or consistency. They are antonyms, representing opposite relationships between two things.