contrary to common practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to common practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is different from what is typically done or accepted in a particular context. Example: "The company's decision to implement a four-day workweek is contrary to common practice in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Contrary to common practice at the time, when such children were institutionalized, and contrary to Hollywood myth making, in which fans were not to know that perfect couples sometimes had imperfect children, Miss Evans and Rogers had kept Robin, who was their first child, at home with the family.

The New York Times - Arts

Contrary to common practice, the provision of protein/amino acids as a continuous infusion significantly limits protein synthesis whereas intermittent feeding maximally stimulates skeletal muscle synthesis.

Annals of Intensive Care

It is also observed that contrary to common practice, the maximum adsorption loading qisat on zeolite should be considered independent of temperature.

Chemical Engineering Science

Contrary to common practice, our main interest is focused on the investigation of DCR performance degradation in conjunction with the processing of ultra-wideband FDM-signals.

Signal Processing

Contrary to common practice, the paper describing D. masillae had not been provided to journalists under an embargo, except for a very few who were allowed to read a version of the paper after signing non-disclosure agreements.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Fripp wrote, "The phonographic copyright in these performances is operated by Discipline Global Mobile on behalf of the artists, with whom it resides, contrary to common practice in the record industry.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This result runs contrary to common marketing practice.

The New York Times

Contrary to common belief, the practice does not originate in the Vietnam era and is not confined to Asia (where, thanks to Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions, posthumous cremation is far more common than in the West).

The New Yorker

It would have been impractical, and contrary to usual practice, to HotSync® forms individually.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Wisconsin also passed along fathers' child support payments to mothers, contrary to states' common practice of keeping them to offset welfare costs.

The New York Times

That seemed contrary to common sense.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrary to common practice" to introduce a novel approach or a deviation from established norms, ensuring to explain the rationale behind the divergence.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to common practice" without explaining why the deviation is necessary or beneficial. Providing context is essential for clarity and persuasive communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to common practice" functions as an introductory phrase or adverbial phrase. It sets up a contrast, indicating that what follows deviates from the generally accepted or typical way of doing something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase signals a departure from established norms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contrary to common practice" is a grammatically sound and useful expression to signal a deviation from established norms. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, its presence across diverse domains like science, news, and media underscores its utility in various contexts. When employing this phrase, ensuring clarity regarding the specific deviation and its underlying rationale is crucial for effective communication. Alternative phrases such as "differing from conventional methods" and "deviating from standard procedures" can be employed to achieve similar effects, though careful consideration of the specific context is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrasting with accepted practice

Emphasizes the difference compared to what is considered normal.

differing from conventional methods

Emphasizes the difference in approach.

deviating from standard procedures

Emphasizes a departure from established routines.

unlike typical procedure

Highlights the uniqueness compared to typical actions.

in opposition to established norms

Focuses on the conflict with accepted standards.

running counter to prevailing wisdom

Focuses on disagreement with generally accepted beliefs.

at variance with prevailing customs

Highlights the disagreement with existing customs.

not in accordance with usual methods

Focuses on the lack of compliance with typical ways of doing something.

in contradiction to widespread habits

Highlights the direct opposition to common habits.

distinct from ordinary conduct

Highlights the separateness from typical behavior.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "contrary to common practice", provide a clear explanation of the standard practice before introducing the contrasting approach. For example, "Contrary to common practice in the industry, we decided to prioritize employee well-being over short-term profits."

What are some alternatives to saying "contrary to common practice"?

Alternatives include phrases like "differing from conventional methods", "deviating from standard procedures", or "in opposition to established norms", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "contrary to common practice" and "contrary to usual practice"?

While both phrases indicate a deviation from the norm, "contrary to common practice" implies a more widely accepted or established norm, whereas "contrary to usual practice" might refer to a practice that is simply typical or habitual in a specific context. The choice depends on the scope of the practice you're contrasting.

How can I ensure my use of "contrary to common practice" is persuasive?

To make your use of "contrary to common practice" persuasive, support your deviation with evidence, data, or a compelling rationale. Highlight the benefits of the alternative approach and address any potential concerns or objections.