completely contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely contrary" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize how two things are different or to state how one thing is the exact opposite of another. For example: "My friend's opinion on the matter was completely contrary to mine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is completely contrary to international law.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is completely contrary to what I think.

The New Yorker

To disagree with this is completely contrary to our beliefs".

The Guardian

"It is completely contrary to the values and editorial standards of the Mail on Sunday.

The Guardian

This runs completely contrary to other information that lemon grass oil repels dogs and cats.

The New York Times - Food

"This madcap scheme is completely contrary to Medicare," Abbott said at the time.

The Guardian

"It is completely contrary to the whole principle on which our trial system works.

The Guardian

"The actions of the Japanese government are completely contrary to their words.

The Guardian

It's completely contrary to what I was supposed to be doing there as a juror.

The New York Times

"If Iran gets a nuclear weapon, this would run completely contrary to my policies of nonproliferation.

The New York Times

"It goes completely contrary to common sense and how I grew up in Iowa".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely contrary" to express a direct and strong opposition between two ideas, actions, or statements. It adds emphasis and clarity to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "completely contrary" when describing minor differences. Reserve it for situations where there is a fundamental and irreconcilable conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely contrary" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the sense of opposition or contradiction. Ludwig shows its usage across various contexts to emphasize that something is the direct opposite of something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely contrary" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express strong opposition or contradiction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts, although most prevalent in news and media. When writing, ensure the disagreement is significant enough to warrant this strong phrasing. For milder differences, consider alternatives like "slightly different". Its presence across authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diametrically opposed

This alternative highlights a direct and extreme opposition, suggesting that the two things are at opposite ends of a spectrum.

in total opposition

This phrase emphasizes the absolute nature of the disagreement or conflict between two things.

directly conflicting

This alternative highlights the active clash or contradiction between two things.

in stark contrast

This alternative emphasizes the striking and obvious difference between two things.

utterly incompatible

This phrase stresses that the two things cannot coexist or work together effectively.

irreconcilably different

This phrase suggests that the differences between two things are so profound that they cannot be resolved or harmonized.

entirely different

This alternative focuses on the lack of similarity or common ground between two things, rather than direct opposition.

mutually exclusive

This phrase indicates that the two things cannot both be true or exist at the same time.

at odds with

This alternative indicates a state of disagreement or conflict between two things.

poles apart

This idiom vividly illustrates the extreme difference or opposition between two things.

FAQs

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

You can use "completely contrary" to show a strong opposition. For example: "His actions are "completely contrary" to his promises."

What are some alternatives to "completely contrary"?

Alternatives include "diametrically opposed", "in total opposition", or "entirely different" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "completely contrary" or "totally contrary"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "completely contrary" is more common and often considered more formal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What is the difference between "completely contrary" and "slightly different"?

"Completely contrary" indicates a strong opposition, while "slightly different" suggests a minor variation. They are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of expressing differences.