contrary ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

"contrary ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to ideas that are opposite or completely different from each other. For example: "The two researchers had completely contrary ideas about how to approach the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This is a city that tolerates protest and contrary ideas.

The New York Times

On the contrary, ideas and theories are the elemental sparks from heaven.

The Guardian

On the other hand, I sometimes get callers who are scientists with contrary ideas to those of my guests.

The New York Times - Science

Governments, however, do not need to give equal time to contrary ideas when they are speaking for themselves.

The New York Times

He veered from Marxist economic determinism to describe class conflict in terms of culture — the "hegemony" of dominant ideas and forms requiring a growth of contrary ideas and forms from below.

The New Yorker

We had contrary ideas about privacy: I keep my phone with me during interviews, but I don't like discussing personal matters in front of strangers with my clothes off.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Where does the majority get its contrary idea — that individual, rather than class, arbitration is a fundamental attribute of arbitration?" The apt comparison, Justice Breyer continued, is not between individual and class arbitration but between class arbitration and class actions in court.

The New York Times

Another contrary idea is Macy's.

Forbes

Some have focused on renewal; Walter Jackson Bate points to the theme of each stanza including "its contrary" idea, here death implying, though only indirectly, the renewal of life.

Wikipedia

That idea must be supported by powerful voices, and, strong with the authority of those voices, debunk and demolish the contrary idea and push its advocates back into limbo.

Huffington Post

The contrary view that ideas, as the creatures of words, are public possessions and essential instruments of public knowledge did not become common in the philosophy of language until the end of the 19th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary ideas", ensure the context clearly establishes what the original or mainstream idea is, so the contrast is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary ideas" when simply presenting different aspects of the same idea. "Contrary ideas" implies a fundamental opposition, not just a variation in perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary ideas" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to concepts or viewpoints that are in opposition to one another. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and widely understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contrary ideas" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that signifies opposing or conflicting viewpoints. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. It frequently appears in news, encyclopedias, and science-related contexts. When using "contrary ideas", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the original idea is to emphasize the contrast. Alternative phrases such as ""conflicting opinions"" or ""opposing viewpoints"" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember that "contrary ideas" implies a fundamental opposition, not just a simple variation in perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting opinions

Emphasizes the clash or disagreement between different opinions.

opposing viewpoints

Highlights the contrast between different perspectives.

differing perspectives

Focuses on the variance and divergence in how things are viewed.

divergent opinions

Stresses the splitting or moving apart of opinions.

antithetical views

Indicates a direct opposition or contrast between viewpoints.

incompatible notions

Highlights the impossibility of these notions coexisting or agreeing.

contrasting beliefs

Focuses on beliefs that differ sharply.

dissenting thoughts

Emphasizes thoughts that oppose or disagree with a prevailing view.

alternative concepts

Highlights different conceptual approaches.

conflicting theories

Specifically refers to different theories that are in disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "contrary ideas" to describe situations where different viewpoints or concepts clash. For example, "The debate highlighted the contrary ideas about economic policy."

What are some alternatives to "contrary ideas"?

Some alternatives include "conflicting opinions", "opposing viewpoints", or "differing perspectives". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "contrary ideas" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe conflicting or opposing concepts.

What's the difference between "contrary ideas" and "different ideas"?

"Different ideas" simply indicates that the ideas are not the same. "Contrary ideas" implies that the ideas are opposed or in conflict with each other.