contrary to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to the" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when something goes against something else. For example, "Contrary to the popular belief, not all cats are scared of water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

be contrary to the national will".

The New York Times

Contrary to the majority's conclusion, maj.

Harvard University

"We're so contrary to the other candidates," he said.

The Guardian

"They continue to operate absolutely contrary to the public interest".

The New York Times

Contrary to the report, Mrs Netanyahu committed no crime.

The Guardian

Contrary to the popular maxim, do think about your audience.

The Guardian

But contrary to the name, not all are international.

The Guardian

This is contrary to the tradition of our country.

The New York Times

Our results run contrary to the prevailing wisdom.

The New York Times

CONTRARY to the adage, timing is not always everything.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Contrary-to-the-fact occurrences occur," Pynchon writes.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to the", ensure that the statement it introduces directly contradicts or opposes the previously mentioned information to maintain clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to the" when you only intend to offer a slight deviation or complementary information. The phrase should introduce a direct opposition, not a mere nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to the" serves as a prepositional phrase, functioning primarily as an adverbial modifier. It introduces information that contradicts or opposes a previously stated or commonly held belief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound and prevalent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrary to the" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to introduce a contradiction or opposition to a previous statement or commonly held belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a versatile phrase found across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the subsequent statement offers a direct contrast to the previous one to maintain clarity. While alternatives like "in contrast to the" or "despite the" exist, "contrary to the" carries a distinct emphasis on challenging assumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

counter to the

Indicates that something runs against or opposes something else.

in opposition to the

Emphasizes direct opposition or resistance to something.

in contrast to the

Highlights the differences between two things.

in contradiction to the

Focuses on a direct conflict or inconsistency with something.

in defiance of the

Highlights a rebellious or disobedient stance against something.

at odds with the

Suggests a state of disagreement or conflict with something.

notwithstanding the

Indicates that something is true despite the existence of something else.

despite the

Similar to 'notwithstanding', but with a more straightforward concession.

in disagreement with the

Directly states a lack of agreement or consensus.

irrespective of the

Implies that something is not affected by something else.

FAQs

How can I use "contrary to the" in a sentence?

Use "contrary to the" to introduce a statement that opposes a common belief or previous assertion. For example, "Contrary to the popular belief, cats can be trained."

What phrases are similar to "contrary to the"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in contrast to the", "despite the", or "notwithstanding the", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it always necessary to use a comma after "contrary to the"?

Yes, it's generally recommended to use a comma after "contrary to the" to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause, improving readability.

What's the difference between "contrary to the" and "in contrast to"?

"Contrary to the" often implies a contradiction of a belief or expectation, while "in contrast to" simply highlights differences between two things without necessarily implying opposition.