contrary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to something that is the opposite of what is expected or stated. For example: "Contrary to popular belief, elephants are actually one of the smartest animals in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's contrary to our ideals.

The New York Times

"It's contrary to America's traditions.

The New York Times

Contrary to "No to Keystone.

The New York Times

"Contrary to reports.

The Guardian - Music

It's contrary to that.

The Guardian - Books

This is contrary to my experience.

The New York Times

Contrary to initial reports, the cat survived.

Independent

Contrary to his prediction, Pliskova won easily.

The New York Times - Magazine

Anything contrary to that would be disastrous".

The New York Times

It's contrary to who we are".

The New Yorker

Contrary to general opinion, it was Iran.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrary to" to introduce information that challenges common assumptions or expectations. This adds emphasis and can make your writing more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to" when simply adding information; it should introduce a direct contrast or contradiction, not just a related point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that introduces a statement of opposition, contradiction, or unexpected deviation. Ludwig AI indicates it is used to introduce something that opposes expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrary to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a prior statement or common belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. As it is very common across various registers, writers should ensure that its use introduces genuine contrast, and not merely additional information. Be aware of the subtle differences in tone between "contrary to" and similar phrases like "in contrast to" to fine-tune writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the contrary

Used to strongly deny or refute a previous statement.

in contrast with

Emphasizes the differences when comparing two things.

in opposition to

Emphasizes direct resistance or disagreement.

in contradiction of

Highlights a conflict or inconsistency with a previous statement.

notwithstanding

Implies disregard for something despite its presence or influence.

despite

Similar to 'notwithstanding' but often used when acknowledging an obstacle.

in defiance of

Conveys a sense of rebellion or deliberate non-compliance.

at odds with

Suggests incompatibility or conflict between two things.

conversely

Introduces a statement that reverses the previous one.

differing from

Highlights a divergence or dissimilarity between two things.

FAQs

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

"Contrary to" introduces a statement that opposes or contrasts with a previous one or with general expectations. For example: "Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained".

What's a formal alternative to "contrary to"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "notwithstanding" or "in contradiction of" to convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

Is it always necessary to provide evidence after using "contrary to"?

While not strictly required, providing evidence or justification after using "contrary to" strengthens your argument and enhances credibility. Omitting support may weaken the impact of your statement.

How does "contrary to" differ from "in contrast to"?

While both phrases indicate a difference, "contrary to" often implies a direct opposition or contradiction, whereas "in contrast to" simply highlights differences without necessarily implying opposition.