contrary to common assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to common assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to present information that challenges or contradicts widely held beliefs or perceptions. Example: "Contrary to common assumption, not all introverts are shy; many are quite sociable in the right settings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But contrary to common assumption, earmarks don't increase spending.

The Washington Post

Contrary to common assumption, the parents of unaccompanied minors are often among the most proactive and protective, the PTA parents of war zones.

The New Yorker

This work shows that contrary to common assumption the agents investigated are unlikely to have acted chemically at the flame front, but most likely, mainly cooled the flame and changed the stoichiometry, i.e. the ratio of components of the flammable mixture.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Moreover, contrary to common assumption, we did not find evidence that exaggerated statements in press releases are more likely to attract news uptake or substantially increase the number of news articles when they do occur.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Contrary to common assumptions, Frank Lloyd Wright's ramp is hardly a fluid experience.

The New York Times - Arts

Contrary to common assumptions, the main obstacle is not Tehran's determination to enrich uranium.

The Guardian - Opinion

Contrary to common assumptions about how fashion works, names don't simply trickle down from high-income, well-educated parents to lower-income, less-educated parents.

The New York Times

Contrary to common assumptions, it doesn't require the presence of perfect data or a full-scale transformation to be complete.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Contrary to common assumptions, the optimal distribution of rectangle aspect ratios within a treemap should include non-squares, but should avoid extremes.

Stanford University

Contrary to common assumptions, Doha did not back the former muqatilin (fighters) from the LIFG because of an Islamist project but because it assessed them to be among the more cohesive and capable of the revolutionary factions.

The Washington Post

That cessation is reflected in a new analysis of historical and ice core data, which researchers say provides evidence that the natural level of lead in the air is essentially zero, contrary to common assumptions.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "contrary to common assumption", ensure the common assumption is indeed widely held. Otherwise, the phrase loses its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to common assumption" when addressing niche or specialized knowledge. This phrase is most effective when debunking broadly held beliefs, not obscure facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to common assumption" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for a statement that challenges or contradicts a generally accepted idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable expression to introduce a surprising or less-known fact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrary to common assumption" is a phrase employed to introduce information that goes against widely held beliefs. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is valid and frequently used. It is grammatically correct, versatile across different writing styles, and commonly used in news, academic, and scientific contexts. To ensure accurate and impactful usage, it is best practice to substantiate claims following the phrase with supporting evidence, ensuring that the assumption being challenged is truly a common one. Alternative phrases such as "against popular belief" and "in contrast to common wisdom" offer similar ways to express this contrast. Overall, this phrase effectively prompts readers to reconsider their preconceived notions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

against popular belief

Replaces "assumption" with "belief" emphasizing widespread acceptance.

in contrast to common wisdom

Substitutes "assumption" with "wisdom", suggesting established knowledge.

contrary to popular opinion

Replaces "assumption" with "opinion" highlighting general sentiment.

defying conventional wisdom

Uses "defying" to convey a stronger sense of opposition to accepted ideas.

in opposition to common expectation

Replaces "assumption" with "expectation", focusing on anticipated outcomes.

unbeknownst to many

Shifts the focus to a lack of awareness rather than a direct contradiction.

despite widespread belief

Emphasizes the prevalence of the belief being challenged.

challenging the prevalent notion

Highlights the act of questioning a widely accepted idea.

in defiance of common perception

Implies a deliberate disregard for how something is generally understood.

disputing the conventional understanding

Directly challenges the accepted interpretation of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "contrary to common assumption" to introduce a statement that challenges a widely held belief. For example, "Contrary to common assumption, not all introverts are shy."

What's an alternative way to express "contrary to common assumption"?

Alternatives include "against popular belief", "in contrast to common wisdom", or "despite widespread belief".

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

While not always strictly necessary, providing evidence or an explanation after stating something "contrary to common assumption" strengthens your argument and makes it more convincing.

What's the difference between "contrary to common assumption" and "contrary to popular opinion"?

"Contrary to common assumption" implies challenging a belief that is often taken for granted. "Contrary to popular opinion"/"contrary to popular opinion" focuses on disagreeing with a widespread view that is actively discussed or debated.