contrary to common lore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to common lore" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a statement or fact that opposes widely held beliefs or traditional narratives. Example: "Contrary to common lore, many ancient civilizations had advanced knowledge of astronomy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Contrary to common lore, officials at Ellis Island rarely outright changed immigrant names but often transliterated them — from Cyrillic script, for instance, into the Latin alphabet).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And, contrary to common right-wing lore, illegal immigration does not result in an increase in the violent crime rate.

Vice

That seemed contrary to common sense.

The New York Times - Sports

Contrary to common belief, these things are instinctive".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Contrary to common sense, Stalin rejected our suggestion.

The Guardian

This result runs contrary to common marketing practice.

The New York Times

"That is contrary to common sense," he added.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Contrary to common conviction, ethyl alcohol is not inherently the least toxic of alcohols.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times - Arts

The Labour government declared the principle "contrary to common sense" and abolished it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase is most effective when debunking a specific, identifiable piece of folklore, rather than a general sentiment. Provide context for the "common lore" you are addressing to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to common lore" merely as a stylistic flourish. The phrase should introduce a genuinely surprising or lesser-known fact that actively challenges a prevalent belief. Always prioritize accuracy and avoid misrepresenting the "common lore" to strengthen your counterargument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to common lore" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a statement that contradicts a widely accepted belief, tradition, or story. It serves to set up a contrast and often precedes the presentation of factual or evidence-based information, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrary to common lore" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce information that challenges widely accepted beliefs or traditions. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. To use it effectively, ensure you support your contrasting statement with solid evidence. Alternatives include "against popular belief" or "in opposition to common wisdom", but the choice depends on the specific context. While the phrase is versatile, it's best used to challenge specific folklore rather than general sentiments, maintaining a neutral to formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

against popular belief

Focuses on contradicting what is widely believed by the general public.

contrary to popular opinion

Highlights a disagreement with the prevailing views of the majority.

in opposition to common wisdom

Emphasizes a contrast with established, generally accepted knowledge.

defying conventional wisdom

Suggests an active challenge to traditional or standard thinking.

challenging the accepted narrative

Directly addresses the act of questioning and opposing a dominant storyline.

running counter to established dogma

Indicates a conflict with deeply ingrained and often unquestioned principles.

at odds with prevailing thought

Shows a state of disagreement with the current dominant ideas or perspectives.

unlike what's commonly known

Highlights the difference between the statement and general knowledge.

diverging from traditional accounts

Focuses on how the information differs from standard or historical narratives.

contrary to received wisdom

Points to a contrast with information that has been passed down and generally accepted.

FAQs

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

Use "contrary to common lore" to introduce a statement that challenges a widely held belief. For example, "Contrary to common lore, officials at Ellis Island rarely outright changed immigrant names".

What is a good alternative to "contrary to common lore"?

Alternatives include "against popular belief", "contrary to popular opinion", or "in opposition to common wisdom". Choose the option that best fits the context and your desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "contrary to common lore" or "contrary to popular belief"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "contrary to common lore" implies a challenge to traditional stories or myths, while "contrary to popular belief" refers to widely held but potentially inaccurate ideas. The better choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "contrary to common lore" and "contrary to common sense"?

"Contrary to common lore" challenges traditional narratives or myths, while "contrary to common sense" challenges what most people would intuitively consider logical or reasonable. Common sense involves basic reasoning, whereas lore involves cultural transmission of knowledge or beliefs.