contrary to previous findings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to previous findings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when presenting new evidence or results that differ from earlier research or conclusions. Example: "The results of this study are contrary to previous findings, suggesting a need for further investigation into the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Contrary to previous findings, younger adults were the most frequent transgressors.

Urban Rail Transit

Contrary to previous findings, the effects of repeated nicotine on spontaneous activity were minimally contingent on baseline activity levels.

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior

Contrary to previous findings (1), we did not detect the colocalization of cytochrome oxidase, a mitochondria marker, with this actin.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

Contrary to previous findings, neither of the three components of stigmatization tested has any influence on social network or support.

Social Science & Medicine

Contrary to previous findings, the solution remains stable, even if no local preconditioning matrix is included in the time derivative term, albeit a different convergence history may occur.

Journal of Computational Physics

But contrary to previous findings for PE2-CH2OH/AuNPs, no distinct enhancement of the non-linear absorption for PE3-CH2OH/AuNPs was observed.

Optical Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

This is contrary to previous research findings for Slovenian hospitals [ 12- 15, 23- 25], where statistically significant differences were established between occupational groups for comparable variables.

Human Resources for Health

Contrary to previous research findings that pointed to folic acid use as an explanatory factor [ 17], the block of health behaviour factors was not found to contribute substantially as an explanatory factor in our study.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Contrary to previous research finding that motivation to quit did not translate into a desire for advice and motivated smokers did not think smoking should be addressed early in treatment [ 16], in our sample motivation was associated with a desire for advice, and nearly half of substance misusers felt that smoking should be treated early in their primary addiction treatment.

BMC Health Services Research

In contrary to previous hypotheses, our findings indicate that postural control in vertebrates relies on both direct visual input (afference signal) and eye-movement-related signals (efference copy or reafference signal).

Plosone

Finally, contrary to previous hypotheses, our findings based on the interdisciplinary volcanological and bio-anthropological study of the deposits and victims of the 79 AD Plinian eruption reveal that even at the extreme periphery of the S4 surge neither asphyxia nor impact force but heat caused the deaths.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to previous findings", clearly cite the specific prior research being contradicted to provide context and allow readers to evaluate the conflicting evidence.

Common error

Avoid stating "contrary to previous findings" without specifying which findings are being contradicted. Overgeneralization can weaken your argument and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to previous findings" functions as a transitional phrase, often introducing a statement that presents new results or interpretations that diverge from established research. Ludwig examples show it’s primarily used to highlight discrepancies in scientific and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contrary to previous findings" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce results that differ from earlier research. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Predominantly used in scientific and academic writing, it serves to highlight discrepancies and signal novelty. When using this phrase, it's crucial to cite the specific prior research being contradicted to maintain transparency and enhance credibility. While various alternatives exist, such as "in contrast to prior research", the core purpose remains consistent: to emphasize a deviation from established knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in contrast to prior research

Replaces "contrary to" with "in contrast to", a direct synonym, maintaining the same structure.

differing from earlier studies

Emphasizes the difference using "differing from" and replaces "findings" with "studies", focusing on the research itself.

unlike past investigations

Uses "unlike" to indicate the contrast and "investigations" instead of "findings", highlighting the investigative nature.

in opposition to previous reports

Highlights the disagreement using "in opposition to" and substitutes "findings" with "reports".

contradicting earlier conclusions

Focuses on the contradiction with "contradicting" and replaces "findings" with "conclusions", stressing the results.

disagreeing with prior results

Emphasizes the disagreement using "disagreeing with" and uses "results" as a synonym for "findings".

at odds with existing literature

Presents the contrast as being "at odds with" the existing research, broadening the scope to the entire literature.

reversing prior conclusions

Indicates a direct reversal of previous ideas.

this study challenges prior assumptions

Shifts the focus to the present study challenging past assumptions, indicating a contradiction.

deviating from traditional understanding

Highlights a departure from conventional knowledge instead of contradicting particular research results.

FAQs

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

Start by stating your new finding, then use "contrary to previous findings" to introduce the conflicting prior research. Always cite the previous studies you are referencing.

What are some alternatives to saying "contrary to previous findings"?

You can use alternatives like "in contrast to prior research", "differing from earlier studies", or "unlike past investigations" to express the same idea.

Is it always necessary to cite previous studies when using "contrary to previous findings"?

Yes, citing the specific studies you are contradicting is crucial for transparency and allows readers to assess the validity of your claims in light of existing research. Without citations, the statement lacks credibility.

How does "contrary to previous findings" differ from "building on previous findings"?

"Contrary to previous findings" indicates a contradiction or disagreement with earlier research, while "building on previous findings" suggests that your work extends or supports existing knowledge. They represent opposite relationships to prior work.