contrary to previous expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to previous expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing outcomes or results that differ from what was anticipated or predicted. Example: "The results of the experiment were surprising, contrary to previous expectations that the new drug would have no effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Also, contrary to previous expectations we do not expect Arm-based processors to make any material traction in the server market in 2014, with this now being pushed out to 2015.

The Guardian - Business

And, contrary to previous expectations of a big recovery this year, Telekom warned that profit in 2000 would be 750 million to 1.55 billion euros.

The New York Times

Contrary to previous expectations, the conversion was found to decrease as the bed diameter was increased.

Chemical Engineering Science

Contrary to previous expectations, these photochemical processes cause much more destruction of the organic molecules in fresh water than bacterial respiration does.

Science Magazine

Early studies of biodiversity in the region found, contrary to previous expectations, a rich and varied fauna.

Plosone

Using an affinity precipitation method to pulldown the active form of Rho GEFs from different cellular fractions, we show here that nuclear Net1 does in fact exist in an active form, contrary to previous expectations.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

By the end of 1938, they obtained conclusive evidence, contrary to previous expectation, that one of the products from uranium was a radioactive form of the much lighter element barium, indicating that the uranium atom had split into two lighter atoms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Furthermore, these river-wide congruent hydraulics have been shown to link at-a-station HG (AHG) in space, contrary to previous expectation of AHG as spatially unpredictable.

Journal of Hydrology

Contrary to previous reports and expectations, greater multidisciplinarity is not necessarily associated with more effective decision making.

BMJ Quality and Safety

Contrary to previous studies, these were not emphasized.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Contrary to expectations, previous studies looking at physical activity levels in individuals at high risk for DFUs have found these individuals to be less active than healthy counterparts (1– 3).

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to previous expectations", ensure that the context clearly establishes what those prior expectations were to provide a strong contrast and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to previous expectations" when merely presenting new information that wasn't explicitly predicted before. This phrase implies a direct contradiction or surprise, not just a novel finding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to previous expectations" functions as an adverbial phrase to introduce a statement that opposes earlier predictions or assumptions. Ludwig examples show its use in modifying entire clauses, highlighting surprising or divergent outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contrary to previous expectations" is a commonly used expression to highlight a surprising or contradictory outcome when compared to what was initially predicted. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal and neutral registers, finding frequent use in scientific and news contexts. While variations exist, the core purpose is to signal a deviation from established beliefs. When employing this phrase, ensure that the prior expectations are clearly defined to maximize its impact and avoid ambiguity. Considering its impact and clarity, use this phrase to precisely convey surprises or unexpected results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Against prior assumptions

This alternative directly opposes what was initially believed, emphasizing the conflict with original beliefs.

Contrary to what one would expect

It broadens the scope from previous to a general expectation, making the contrast more universally applicable.

In contrast to what was anticipated

Replaces "expectations" with "anticipated", focusing on the feeling of anticipation that was not met.

Opposite to earlier predictions

Substitutes "previous expectations" with "earlier predictions", highlighting that the result is the reverse of what was predicted.

Deviating from prior expectations

Focuses on the deviation or departure from the original expectations, making it about the action of diverging.

Differing from what was foreseen

Uses "foreseen" in place of "expectations", stressing the aspect of seeing ahead or predicting.

In opposition to past expectations

Replaces "contrary" with "in opposition", making it a more assertive contrast.

In contradiction to former beliefs

Shifts from "expectations" to "beliefs", indicating the phrase relates to strongly held ideas that have been disproven.

Running counter to original assumptions

Uses "running counter" to express the conflicting nature of the new information relative to the initial assumptions.

At odds with previous outlooks

Emphasizes a state of disagreement or conflict with prior viewpoints or forecasts.

FAQs

How can I use "contrary to previous expectations" in a sentence?

Use "contrary to previous expectations" to highlight a result or finding that directly opposes what was initially predicted or believed. For instance, "Contrary to previous expectations, the stock price increased after the announcement."

What is a simpler way to say "contrary to previous expectations"?

You can use phrases like "against prior assumptions", "deviating from prior expectations", or "in contrast to what was anticipated" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "contrary to previous expectations" and "unexpectedly"?

"Contrary to previous expectations" implies a direct contradiction of what was predicted, while "unexpectedly" simply indicates that something was not anticipated, without necessarily negating a prior belief.

Is it always necessary to specify whose expectations are being contradicted when using "contrary to previous expectations"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the source of the expectations (e.g., "contrary to analysts' previous expectations") can add clarity and strengthen the impact of the statement.