contrary to previous times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to previous times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a difference or change in circumstances compared to earlier periods. Example: "Contrary to previous times, the company is now focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

To our knowledge, this is the first observation of an improvement in inhibitory success on the Stop Signal Task following atomoxetine, in healthy or patient groups, but no stop signal reaction time benefit, contrary to previous findings of stop signal reaction time effects in both healthy (Chamberlain et al., 2006) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder cohorts (Chamberlain et al., 2007).

Brain

Contrary to previous studies reporting that counting times remain constant [ 19, 28, 33] or increase [ 20- 22] with advancing gestation, we found increasing gestational age to be associated with shorter counting times (FPC1).

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Contrary to previous competitions, machine learning this time outperformed dictionary-based systems.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Contrary to previous studies, our findings favor older times for the divergence of the major groups of primate parasites in the Oligocene with the origin of all mammalian Plasmodium and the separation of the lineage leading to P. falciparum taking place as deep as the Eocene, together with the radiation of African anthropoids.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Contrary to previous competitions, machine learning has this time outperformed standard dictionary-based approaches.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Contrary to previous suggestions, one particular population becomes dominant at large times.

Chemical Engineering Science

She was, contrary to previous reports, conspicuously human-seeming — funny, passionate, even, at times, rueful of past mistakes — a development that might have robbed her potential rival, Vice-President Joe Biden, of the rationale he needed to make a run.

The New Yorker

This was contrary to previous findings in medicine that male referees spend more time reviewing [16].

Plosone

Contrary to previous reports, we demonstrated that dissolution rate of AgNP increased with time in soil.

Geoderma

Contrary to previous approaches, we seek an approach that finds a range of time when each geometry is visible to the light for a given pixel.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Contrary to previous research, evidence for improved functional status with the passage of time post BMT was obtained.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to previous times", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific timeframe or situation being contrasted. For improved clarity, consider replacing it with a more common alternative like "unlike in the past" or "in contrast to earlier periods".

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to previous times" in highly formal writing, as it can sound awkward. Opt for more conventional alternatives like "in contrast to earlier periods" or "unlike previous eras" for a smoother, more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to previous times" functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing a statement that contrasts with the way things were in the past. Though understandable, Ludwig shows it's less frequently used than similar phrases.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrary to previous times" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a contrast with past periods. However, as Ludwig indicates, it is not a commonly used phrase. It is generally recommended to use more common alternatives such as "in contrast to earlier periods" or "unlike in the past" for improved clarity and fluency. While understandable, its infrequent usage may make your writing sound slightly awkward in certain contexts. Therefore, choosing more conventional alternatives is often preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in contrast to earlier periods

This phrase replaces 'contrary' with 'in contrast' and 'times' with 'periods', offering a more formal tone.

unlike previous eras

This alternative uses 'eras' instead of 'times', emphasizing a broader historical period.

in opposition to earlier years

This alternative is more direct and forceful, using 'in opposition' to emphasize the contrast.

as opposed to former instances

This phrase employs a more sophisticated vocabulary, substituting 'contrary' with 'as opposed to' and 'times' with 'instances'.

distinct from prior circumstances

This version replaces 'times' with 'circumstances', highlighting a shift in conditions.

different from past occasions

This option focuses on specific 'occasions' rather than a general timeframe, suggesting a change in events.

contrary to what used to be

This longer phrase explicitly references a past state, making the contrast more explicit.

in comparison to bygone days

This alternative evokes a sense of nostalgia using 'bygone days' instead of a neutral reference to time.

unlike how it was before

This option uses simpler language, making it more accessible and informal.

deviating from erstwhile moments

This choice uses 'deviating' to imply a departure from 'erstwhile moments', creating a more literary feel.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "contrary to previous times" for better clarity?

Consider using phrases like "unlike previous eras", "in contrast to earlier periods", or "different from past occasions" for improved clarity.

Is "contrary to previous times" grammatically correct?

Yes, "contrary to previous times" is grammatically correct, but it's less common than alternatives such as "unlike in the past" or "in contrast to earlier periods".

What's the difference between "contrary to previous times" and "unlike previous times"?

"Contrary to previous times" and "unlike previous times" are very similar in meaning. However, "unlike previous times" is more frequently used and generally sounds more natural.

In what context would I use "contrary to previous times"?

You would use "contrary to previous times" to indicate a difference or change compared to earlier periods. However, due to its uncommon usage, it's often better to use alternatives like "in contrast to earlier periods" or "unlike in the past".