contrary to previous years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to previous years" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a difference or change in circumstances compared to past years. Example: "Contrary to previous years, this year's sales have significantly increased due to our new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The number of security incidents increased significantly, compared to previous years and contrary to seasonal trends," the report said, adding that most of this was a consequence of military operations in the southern part of the country, particularly Helmand and Kandahar Provinces, where increased NATO military operations have been under way since February.

The New York Times

The latest data indicate that the rate of deformation has, contrary to previous understanding, been changing on short (1-year) timescales.

Nature

Contrary to previous reports that PON1 activities plateau by 2 years of age, we observed an age-dependent increase in all three PON1 measures from birth through 7 years of age (p < 0.0001).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Nonetheless, the Bundesliga, contrary to previous statements by the manager, has piqued Mourinho's interest and the 56-year-old would not say no to should Bayern come knocking.

Forbes

However, contrary to previous data, the lean body mass and baseline renal function had no relationship to GFR changes over the 4 years of our study.

Clinical interventions in aging

They were born in October, contrary to previous reports.

The New York Times - Health

Contrary to previous studies, these were not emphasized.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

They argued that, contrary to previous estimates, global population was unlikely to peak anytime soon.

The New York Times

Yet other results ran contrary to previous research and popular perceptions.

Harvard University

"We found that, contrary to previous research, resilience is not the most common response.

The Washington Post

Thus, contrary to previous assumptions, DNA methylation is not exclusively associated with repression of transcription initiation.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to previous years", ensure that you clearly specify what aspect is different or has changed compared to the past.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to previous years" without specifying the specific aspect being contrasted. Be precise about what differs from prior years to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to previous years" functions as a prepositional phrase. It sets up a contrast or comparison, indicating that a current situation or observation differs from what occurred in prior years. Although Ludwig contains no exact example for this phrase, Ludwig AI validates that its usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contrary to previous years" is a grammatically sound and useful prepositional phrase for highlighting differences or reversals when comparing current situations with past trends. While Ludwig did not find exact matches for the phrase, Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's suitable for neutral to formal contexts and serves to introduce a comparison, emphasizing how something has changed or deviated from what was observed in prior years. For enhanced clarity, ensure the aspect being contrasted is clearly specified. Consider alternatives such as "unlike previous years" or "in contrast to prior years" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlike previous years

Replaces "contrary to" with "unlike", offering a more direct comparison.

in contrast to prior years

Substitutes "contrary to" with "in contrast to" and "previous" with "prior", maintaining a formal tone.

different from past years

Uses a simpler structure to highlight the difference compared to previous years.

in comparison to earlier years

Focuses on a direct comparison with earlier years.

as opposed to preceding years

Emphasizes the opposition between the current situation and preceding years.

in deviation from past years

Highlights a departure or divergence from what occurred in past years.

distinct from former years

Stresses the distinct nature of the current situation compared to former years.

a departure from what was seen in earlier years

Indicates a clear break from trends or patterns observed in earlier years.

in reversal of trends from previous years

Specifically points out a change in direction from established trends.

in opposition to what happened in previous years

Strongly emphasizes the conflicting nature of the current situation compared to the past.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "contrary to previous years"?

You can use alternatives like "unlike previous years", "in contrast to prior years", or "different from past years" depending on the context.

What does "contrary to previous years" mean?

The phrase "contrary to previous years" indicates that something is different or has changed in comparison to what happened or was observed in past years. It highlights a deviation or reversal of trends.

Is it correct to use "contrary to previous years" in formal writing?

Yes, "contrary to previous years" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure the context clearly specifies what is being contrasted. Alternatives like "in contrast to prior years" may also be appropriate.

When should I use "contrary to previous years" instead of "unlike previous years"?

"Contrary to previous years" implies a direct contradiction or reversal of a trend, while "unlike previous years" simply indicates a difference. Choose the phrase that best reflects the relationship between the current situation and the past.