completely contrary to

USAGE SUMMARY

"completely contrary to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that two or more things are the exact opposite of each other. For example: His opinion was completely contrary to what the majority thought.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was completely contrary to our intention.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is completely contrary to international law.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

And it's completely contrary to what's in the best interest of the American people...

The Washington Post

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely contrary to" to emphasize a strong opposition or contradiction. Ensure the context clearly establishes what is being opposed.

Common error

Avoid using "completely contrary to" for minor disagreements; reserve it for situations where the opposition is significant and absolute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely contrary to" functions as a connector or prepositional phrase indicating strong opposition or contradiction. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples illustrate its use in contrasting ideas or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

15%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely contrary to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies a strong opposition or contradiction. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples demonstrates its versatility across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. While appropriate for formal settings, it's best reserved for situations where the opposition is significant. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in cases of minor disagreements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, making it a reliable tool for expressing clear and impactful contrasts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in direct opposition to

Emphasizes a head-on clash or conflict, making it suitable for scenarios where the contradiction is confrontational.

entirely inconsistent with

Highlights a lack of alignment or agreement, fitting when the discrepancy is a matter of logical or practical incompatibility.

diametrically opposed to

Stresses the complete and utter opposition between two things.

in stark contrast to

Emphasizes a noticeable difference, often used when highlighting the disparity between two distinct entities or ideas.

at odds with

Suggests a state of disagreement or conflict, ideal when describing conflicting opinions or actions.

irreconcilable with

Implies an inability to harmonize or reconcile, suitable when the differences are fundamental and unresolvable.

a complete reversal of

Indicates a shift or change to the opposite position or direction.

the antithesis of

Positions something as the direct opposite or negation of something else.

the very opposite of

Highlights the stark difference or contrast between two elements.

running counter to

Indicates that something is acting against or opposing a certain direction or principle.

FAQs

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

You can use "completely contrary to" to indicate a direct opposition between two things. For example: "His actions were "completely contrary to" his promises."

What are some alternatives to "completely contrary to"?

Alternatives include "in direct opposition to", "entirely inconsistent with", or "diametrically opposed to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "completely contrary to" in formal writing?

Yes, "completely contrary to" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and precisely conveys a strong sense of opposition. Its usage is supported by numerous reputable sources.

What's the difference between "completely contrary to" and "somewhat different from"?

"Completely contrary to" indicates a direct and absolute opposition, whereas "somewhat different from" implies only a partial or minor divergence. The former is stronger and more emphatic.