contrary to its name

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to its name" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when something does not behave in the manner suggested by its name. For example, "The dessert, contrary to its name, was surprisingly not sweet".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Contrary to its name, it is deeply embedded in the industrial Midlands and North, and it is rooted at the hideous Euston.

The Guardian

Sponge Candy is yet another singularly Buffalo food, and contrary to its name, it's a crunchy confection.

HuffPost

Contrary to its name, the 'Sound Science Act' would make it nearly impossible for all federal agencies, including independent ones, to use science effectively to inform their decisions and protect public health, safety, and the environment.

Huffington Post

Contrary to its name, heart failure does not mean the heart has failed completely.

Harvard University

Contrary to its name, however, Sunnydale is a dark and dangerous place.

Britannica

So, contrary to its name, wild camping is an ordered affair where food, waterproofing and warmth take packing priority.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Contrary to its iCliche name, the iTable runs Windows XP rather than on OS X or some proprietary system.

TechCrunch

Contrary to its common name, the black mamba is not actually black.

Wikipedia

Contrary to its common name "benign tertian malaria", P. vivax is also associated with severe pathology [ 3].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Contrary to its reputation (and name), it is not about hailing the deity called Satan.

Vice

Contrary to its nationalist-leaning name and album art (a collection of things Finnish people love), Our Nation is a loosely themed, tongue-in-cheek tribute to Finland's membership in the EU.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrary to its name" to introduce unexpected characteristics or qualities that diverge from the common understanding of the subject's name.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to its name" if the name is only partially misleading. Ensure the contrast is significant and impacts overall perception, not just a minor detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to its name" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a statement which contrasts with the expectations set by a subject's name. It serves to highlight a surprising or ironic discrepancy, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contrary to its name" serves as a linguistic tool to signal a deviation from expected attributes based on a given title. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and frequently employed phrase, particularly in news, science, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the contrast is significant and immediately explained. Alternatives like "despite its designation" may offer a more formal tone, but "contrary to its name" remains a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to what its title suggests

Specifies that the expectation set by the title is misleading.

despite its designation

Focuses on the contrast between the actual nature and its formal designation or label.

though its designation implies otherwise

Emphasizes that the official or formal designation is misleading.

notwithstanding its title

Highlights that the reality differs from what the title suggests.

despite being labeled as such

Focuses on the act of labeling and how it creates a false impression.

in spite of its moniker

Indicates a discrepancy between the characteristics and its nickname or familiar name.

belies its given name

Suggests that its true qualities contradict the impression created by its name.

in contradiction to its appellation

Uses a more formal term for "name" to denote a stronger contrast.

although it's called

Highlights that the common term used doesn't accurately reflect its nature.

even though it is known as

Acknowledges the popular name but implies a different reality.

FAQs

How can I use "contrary to its name" in a sentence?

Use "contrary to its name" to highlight a surprising or unexpected aspect of something, like: "The 'Giant's Causeway', "contrary to its name", is composed of relatively small basalt columns."

What's a more formal way to say "contrary to its name"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "notwithstanding its title" or "despite its designation", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to explain the contradiction after using "contrary to its name"?

Yes, it's best to immediately follow the phrase with an explanation of how the subject deviates from what its name implies to avoid confusing the reader.

Can I use "contrary to its name" when the name is metaphorical?

Yes, you can use "contrary to its name" even when the name is metaphorical, as long as the metaphor creates a reasonable expectation that the subject defies. For example, you might say, "The 'Rolling Stones', "contrary to their name", have proven remarkably durable and steadfast."