contrary to conventional wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'contrary to conventional wisdom' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which ideas or beliefs which are commonly accepted are proven to be wrong. For example, "Contrary to conventional wisdom, research has found that eating chocolate actually has health benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Contrary to conventional wisdom, you can't—only they can.

Harvard Business Review

Contrary to conventional wisdom, the crime rate didn't budge.

The Washington Post

Contrary to conventional wisdom, however, awards shows are not dying.

The New York Times

But contrary to conventional wisdom, Bitcoin is not anonymous.

The New York Times

Contrary to conventional wisdom, taking high school calculus isn't necessary for success in college calculus.

Harvard University

And contrary to conventional wisdom, single parenthood does not automatically lead to unhappiness.

University of California, Berkeley

Last year he proved that, contrary to conventional wisdom, legal problems don't actually help rappers' careers.

The New York Times - Arts

And, contrary to conventional wisdom, small farms are often more productive than large ones.

The Guardian

One reason is that, contrary to conventional wisdom, studios have long memories.

The New York Times

And contrary to conventional wisdom, the benefits of this growth have reached beyond the rich.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Contrary to conventional wisdom, it is more often the wife than the husband who is ready to leave.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure that the statement following it is well-supported by evidence or a logical argument to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to conventional wisdom" to introduce personal opinions without backing them up with evidence. This can weaken your argument and make it seem unfounded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to conventional wisdom" functions as a discourse marker. It's used to signal that the subsequent statement will contradict widely held beliefs or assumptions. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is both correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrary to conventional wisdom" is a versatile phrase used to introduce statements that challenge widely accepted beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common, especially in news, academic, and scientific writing. The phrase functions as a discourse marker, signaling a surprising or unconventional perspective. When using it, ensure your claims are well-supported to maintain credibility. Alternatives include "defying conventional wisdom" and "challenging established beliefs", though the original phrase effectively sets the stage for rethinking assumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defying conventional wisdom

Emphasizes the act of going against established beliefs.

challenging established beliefs

Highlights the act of questioning what is generally accepted.

in opposition to accepted norms

Focuses on the conflict with standard practices or ideas.

running counter to popular belief

Stresses the divergence from what most people think.

against the grain of common thought

Highlights a deviation from typical thinking patterns.

at odds with prevailing opinion

Emphasizes disagreement with the dominant viewpoint.

bucking the trend of common knowledge

Illustrates a resistance to widely known facts.

in contrast to traditional understanding

Highlights the difference from established interpretations.

diverging from mainstream thought

Focuses on a departure from commonly accepted ideas.

differing from widespread assumptions

Emphasizes a variance from typical presumptions.

FAQs

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

You can use "contrary to conventional wisdom" to introduce a statement that opposes what most people believe to be true. For example, "Contrary to conventional wisdom, remote work can increase productivity".

What's an alternative way to say "contrary to conventional wisdom"?

Alternatives include "defying conventional wisdom", "challenging established beliefs", or "running counter to popular belief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to cite a source after using "contrary to conventional wisdom"?

While not always mandatory, providing a source or explanation after using "contrary to conventional wisdom" strengthens your statement by lending credibility to your counter-argument. This is especially important in academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "contrary to conventional wisdom" and "common knowledge"?

"Contrary to conventional wisdom" introduces a statement that opposes what is generally believed, while "common knowledge" refers to facts that are widely known and accepted. They are opposites; the former challenges the latter.