believed the contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "believed the contrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that someone held a belief that was opposite to what was stated or assumed. Example: "While many supported the new policy, she believed the contrary and argued against its implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I would never have agreed to come here or to Northern Ireland if I believed the contrary".

The New York Times

But it means also the ability to believe that black is white, and more, to know that black is white, and to forget that one has ever believed the contrary.

The Guardian - Sport

By the summer of 1996, Clinton's pollsters, the New York firm of Penn & Schoen, had evidence that the balance of belief was reversing itself: for the first time in years, as many voters believed that the country was heading in the right direction as believed the contrary..

The New Yorker

By the summer of 1996, Clinton's pollsters, the New York firm of Penn & Schoen, had evidence that the balance of belief was reversing itself: for the first time in years, as many voters believed that the country was heading in the right direction as believed the contrary.

The New Yorker

"They took it into receivership because they believed the contrary, and now it appears they're wrong". During the bail hearing, Assistant U.S. Atty.

Los Angeles Times

The second group of experts reported that there was a low level of uncertainty and believed the contrary viewpoint about more research and precaution.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I believe the contrary.

The Guardian

I believe the contrary is true.

The Economist

Indeed, he firmly believes the contrary and insists that everybody else does as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What does that mean when you get information that might lead you to believe the contrary?

The Guardian

'Yeah,' he replies in a way that suggests he believes the contrary, 'but that's not enough, is it?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "believed the contrary" to clearly indicate a direct opposition in belief, ensuring the context provides a clear reference point for what is being opposed.

Common error

Avoid using "believed the contrary" when you mean something is simply inconsistent or contradictory. "Contrary" implies a direct opposition of belief, not just a lack of alignment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "believed the contrary" functions as a verb phrase that indicates a disagreement or opposition to a previously stated or implied idea. Ludwig AI analysis suggests it conveys that someone held a belief that was the opposite of what was presented.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "believed the contrary" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for indicating disagreement or opposition to a previously stated belief. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Though not extremely common, it appears consistently across News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, ensure that the context clearly establishes what "the contrary" refers to. Alternatives such as "thought otherwise" or "held the opposite belief" can provide similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held the opposite belief

Focuses on possessing a belief that is directly opposed to another.

thought otherwise

Indicates a difference in opinion or judgment.

was of a different opinion

Emphasizes a contrasting viewpoint or assessment.

maintained the reverse position

Highlights a steadfast commitment to an opposing stance.

believed the antithesis

Implies a belief in something that is the direct opposite.

disagreed fundamentally

Stresses a basic or essential difference in opinion.

contested the assertion

Focuses on challenging a specific statement or claim.

opposed the idea

Highlights resistance to a particular concept or notion.

rejected the premise

Implies a refusal to accept the initial assumption or basis.

took exception to it

Indicates a specific objection or disagreement with something.

FAQs

How can I use "believed the contrary" in a sentence?

You can use "believed the contrary" to indicate that someone held an opposing belief to something previously stated or generally accepted. For example: "While everyone else supported the plan, she believed the contrary and voted against it."

What is a good alternative to "believed the contrary"?

Alternatives include "thought otherwise", "held the opposite belief", or "was of a different opinion". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "believed the contrary" or "thought otherwise"?

"Believed the contrary" tends to be slightly more formal than "thought otherwise", but both are appropriate for formal and informal contexts. The key is ensuring clarity and flow in your writing.

What's the difference between "believed the contrary" and "believed otherwise"?

"Believed the contrary" usually implies a direct opposition to a specific statement or belief that has already been mentioned. "Believed otherwise" is more general and simply indicates a difference in belief without necessarily specifying what the opposing belief is.