Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
benefits contrary
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "benefits contrary" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It seems to be an attempt to express a contrast between benefits and something opposing them, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "The benefits contrary to popular belief are often overlooked in discussions about this topic."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Science
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
In fact negative gearing largely benefited the wealthy, with the top 10% of income earners before rental deductions getting almost 50% of the tax benefits, contrary to claims by the government and Property Council, the paper found.
News & Media
The extraordinary prestige accorded athletic triumphs brought with it not only literary accolades (as in the odes of Pindar) and visual commemoration (in the form of statues of the victors) but also material benefits, contrary to the amateur myth propagated by 19th-century philhellenists.
Encyclopedias
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Three watchdog groups have filed complaints with the IRS or Justice Department against the pro-Rubio nonprofit, charging among other things that it is providing Rubio a "private benefit" contrary to IRS rules, undermining its "social welfare" status.
News & Media
To our knowledge, this is the first observation of an improvement in inhibitory success on the Stop Signal Task following atomoxetine, in healthy or patient groups, but no stop signal reaction time benefit, contrary to previous findings of stop signal reaction time effects in both healthy (Chamberlain et al., 2006) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder cohorts (Chamberlain et al., 2007).
Science
America in the 1950s made the rich pay their fair share; it gave workers the power to bargain for decent wages and benefits; yet contrary to right-wing propaganda then and now, it prospered.
News & Media
13 The notion that experience does not bestow a net survival benefit is contrary to the belief of some mountaineers.
Science
The subsequent large double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized muticenter rhEPO stroke trial not only failed to show any neuroprotective benefit, but, contrary to all expectations, patients treated both with rhEPO and tissue plaminogen activator presented with increased intracerebral hemorrhage and mortality [ 49].
Science
Other studies have also found that patients enrolled in drug trials expect to receive personal benefits, despite receiving contrary information [ 14, 27].
Science
If silent myocardial infarctions were added, acarbose showed additional benefits over placebo, contrary to the findings with regard to pioglitazone in the PROactive study, in which inclusion of silent myocardial infarction would have made the "principal secondary end point" benefit nonsignificant.
Science
The consensus of this work is that the case for global warming is unproven and that to impose legal restrictions on legitimate economic activities in the absence of clear proof that such laws would benefit humanity is contrary to reason.
News & Media
However, this trial did not show any mortality benefit; on the contrary, it showed a significant increase in adverse events with PPV [ 12].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "benefits contrary" directly; instead, rephrase to clearly indicate the unexpected or negative outcomes associated with something that might initially seem beneficial. Use alternative phrasing that clearly communicates unexpected or negative consequences. For instance, specify whether you are talking about "unexpected disadvantages" or "unfavorable benefits".
Common error
Avoid using "benefits contrary" when you actually intend to highlight disadvantages or negative outcomes associated with something that is assumed to be advantageous. Using clearer phrasing avoids confusion and improves communication. For example, instead of "benefits contrary to expectations", try "unfavorable benefits" or "unexpected disadvantages".
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "benefits contrary" functions as a noun phrase intending to express outcomes that are opposite to, or different from, expected advantages. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase isn't grammatically correct and lacks clarity.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
11%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
8%
Wiki
3%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "benefits contrary" appears in some sources, it's considered grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase aims to express a contrast between expected advantages and actual outcomes, but clearer and more precise language should be used. Instead of "benefits contrary", opt for alternatives like "unexpected disadvantages", "unfavorable benefits", or "adverse outcomes" for improved communication. Ludwig has only a few examples of this phrase being used, recommending writers to use alternative phrasing for better clarity.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
unfavorable benefits
This phrase highlights the negative or undesirable aspects associated with something initially perceived as beneficial.
downside of benefits
Directly addresses the negative aspects or disadvantages related to benefits.
adverse outcomes
Focuses on the negative results instead of expected positive outcomes.
drawbacks of advantages
Emphasizes the inherent limitations or negative aspects of seemingly positive advantages.
counterproductive gains
Emphasizes the ineffectiveness or harm caused despite initial intentions of benefit.
unexpected disadvantages
Highlights unforeseen drawbacks, moving away from the benefit concept.
detrimental advantages
Highlights advantages that have negative consequences.
illusory advantages
Highlights advantages that are not real or are misleading.
negative repercussions
Focuses specifically on the negative consequences of actions or decisions.
unintended consequences
Shifts focus to the unexpected results, which are often negative, arising from a particular action or decision.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "benefits contrary" for clarity?
For clearer communication, replace "benefits contrary" with phrases like "unexpected disadvantages", "unfavorable benefits", or "negative repercussions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it grammatically correct to say "benefits contrary"?
While the phrase "benefits contrary" appears in some sources, it is not the most grammatically sound or clear way to express the idea of unexpected or negative outcomes. Rephrasing is recommended for better clarity and precision.
When is it appropriate to use "benefits contrary"?
It's generally better to avoid "benefits contrary" in formal writing. If you need to convey the idea of benefits leading to unexpected negative results, opt for clearer alternatives like "adverse outcomes" or "counterproductive gains".
What's a more precise way to describe advantages that have a downside than using "benefits contrary"?
Instead of "benefits contrary", consider using "detrimental advantages" or "downside of benefits" to more accurately reflect advantages that come with negative consequences.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested