contrary to each other

USAGE SUMMARY

"contrary to each other" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two things are opposite or opposing each other. For example: "The two sides of the argument are contrary to each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"By showing these two types of creations, which are almost contrary to each other, I can give more depth to the Undercover world".

The New York Times - Style

Unfortunately, these two goals often run contrary to each other.

TechCrunch

The solution, Hume claims, is that any emotion "which attends a passion, is easily converted into it, though in their natures they be originally different from, and even contrary to each other" (T, 419).

SEP

Burke's sense of the double-edged character of civilization thus developed into a sense that the political regime required by an advanced society the combination of strong institutions with civil liberty came from sources that were contrary to each other, and not always beneficial in isolation (aristocracy as a form of government was an 'austere and insolent domination' (TCD, W & S, 1981-, ii.

SEP

took positions contrary to each other," Morley said.

Los Angeles Times

Interestingly, some enriched functions of these two clusters happen to be contrary to each other (Table 5).

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Contrary to other approaches, other than for the digital implementation, no delay approximation is used.

Journal of Process Control

The B theme in the key of B-flat major is closely related to the main theme presenting its counterpoint with the bass and the treble melody lines moving in opposite directions (in contrary motion), to each other and then exchanging their melodies (bars 29-30 and 31-32).

Wikipedia

Contrary to other intensional objects, each proposition has a truth value, true or false.

SEP

"We're so contrary to the other candidates," he said.

The Guardian

Contrary to expectations, other parameters (dissolved iron, ammonium, etc).

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrary to each other" when highlighting a direct opposition or incompatibility between two distinct elements or concepts. It effectively emphasizes the contrasting nature of the items being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to each other" when comparing items that are not directly related or do not have a natural opposition. Ensure the comparison is logical and highlights a genuine contrast, instead of forcing an artificial one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to each other" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating opposition or conflict between two entities. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase clarifies the opposing nature of different viewpoints, methods, or findings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrary to each other" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize direct opposition or incompatibility between two distinct elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from diverse fields, including science, news, and academia. While infrequent, it is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. To ensure clarity, use it only when a genuine and logical contrast exists between the compared items. Alternatives include phrases like "in opposition to each other" or "in contradiction to each other".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in opposition to each other

This phrase emphasizes a direct conflict or resistance between two entities.

in contradiction to each other

This alternative underlines a logical inconsistency between the two elements.

opposed to each other

Indicates a state of disagreement or antagonism between the entities.

at odds with each other

Suggests a state of conflict or disagreement, often implying a struggle.

incompatible with each other

Highlights that the two elements cannot coexist or function harmoniously.

mutually exclusive

This alternative stresses that the two options cannot occur at the same time.

antithetical to each other

Emphasizes a fundamental and irreconcilable opposition.

diametrically opposed

This phrase reinforces a complete and direct opposition between the two elements.

on opposing sides

Illustrates a conflict or disagreement where entities take different stances.

inversely related

This suggests that as one element increases, the other decreases and it is mostly used in scientific contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "contrary to each other" to show opposition. For example: "The two arguments presented were "contrary to each other", making it difficult to reach a consensus."

What phrases are similar to "contrary to each other"?

Similar phrases include "in opposition to each other", "in contradiction to each other", or "opposed to each other". These all highlight some form of disagreement or incompatibility.

Is it correct to say "contrary to one another" instead of "contrary to each other"?

Yes, "contrary to one another" is a valid alternative and carries a similar meaning. Both phrases indicate opposition or contrast between multiple entities.

What is the difference between "contrary to each other" and "different from each other"?

"Different from each other" simply indicates a dissimilarity, while "contrary to each other" suggests a direct opposition or incompatibility. The latter implies a stronger contrast.