by contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by contrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean the opposite of what is being said, or in contrast to something. For example: "He thought the vacation would be relaxing, but by contrary, he found it to be quite tiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

By contrary, a progressive decay of the photocatalytic activity is observed for the other contaminants.

Catalysis Today

As in Doctor Foster, what characters and viewers believe they are seeing is constantly qualified by contrary information.

The Guardian

Married for 12 years, with time taken away by war and now with three small children, they fret in a tacky house in Westport, Conn., driven by contrary social aspirations and not enough money to enjoy any of it.

The New York Times - Arts

Where is your compassion?" Though these characterizations are leavened by contrary details — Paul turns out to have some compassion after all; Maddie watches "Survivor" — they are not enough to bring them to life.

The New York Times - Books

By contrary, when tested in positive potential window (0 0.6 V), the NiCoS NRAs show a maximum specific capacitance of ∼800 F g-1 at 12 mA cm−2.

Electrochimica Acta

To take the most striking example, in a large part of Germany, until the adoption of a common code for the whole empire in 1900, the Roman law was in force as "subsidiary law"; that is, it was applied unless excluded by contrary local provisions.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Indeed, we see larger possibilities in this method of preceeding by contraries.

The New Yorker

By contraries, the averaged Nusselt number was decreased with increase in jet temperature which is larger than 200 °C in the H/D = 0.25 case.

Fusion Engineering and Design

D2A4 depends on Causality and No Causation by Contraries, D2A12 depends on No Causation by Contraries, and D2A14C depends on D2A12C.

SEP

But there are reasons for thinking that No Causation by Contraries is false.

SEP

But, again by No Causation by Contraries, this result is absurd: nothing that is unequal could make something be equal.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by contrary", ensure it clearly introduces a statement that opposes or contrasts with a previous one. Consider whether a more common alternative like "on the contrary" might improve clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "by contrary" if the contrast isn't immediately obvious. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted or confusing. Choose alternative phrasing when clarity is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by contrary" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a statement that is the opposite of or contradicts a previous one. It serves to highlight a contrast or reversal of expectation. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it used in various contexts to signal opposition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by contrary" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to introduce a statement that opposes a previous one. Ludwig indicates that it's a valid and usable phrase, although less common than alternatives like "on the contrary". The phrase is most frequently found in scientific and journalistic contexts. While grammatically sound, its relative infrequency suggests that writers should consider more common alternatives for improved clarity and readability, especially when writing for a broad audience. Using more widely recognized phrases can help ensure that your message is easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the contrary

Represents a more direct and common way to express opposition.

conversely

Indicates a reversal or opposition in the previous statement.

in contrast

Highlights the difference between two things being compared.

to the contrary

Used to indicate that something is the opposite of what has been said or implied.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting point of view or consideration.

in opposition

Emphasizes the state of being against something.

unlike that

Simple way to state that something is not of the same nature as something else

in contradiction

Highlights that two ideas or statements are opposed.

contrary to that

It serves to highlight that the second point is contradictory to the first

in defiance

Signifies resistance or opposition to something.

FAQs

How can I use "by contrary" in a sentence?

Use "by contrary" to introduce a statement that opposes a previous one. For example: "He expected the meeting to be short; by contrary, it lasted for hours."

What's a more common alternative to "by contrary"?

A more common alternative is "on the contrary". It serves the same purpose of introducing an opposing statement but is more widely recognized and used.

Is "by contrary" formal or informal?

"By contrary" tends to be more formal than other phrases. In casual conversation, "on the other hand" or "conversely" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "by contrary" and "in contrast"?

"By contrary" introduces a direct opposition, while "in contrast" simply highlights the difference between two things. "By contrary" implies a stronger disagreement or reversal.