contrary to the fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to the fact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a situation in which something is different from the truth or reality. For example: "Contrary to the fact that many people believe, new technology does not always create more jobs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The suggestion implies, contrary to the fact, that the two decisions are contradictory.

Cornell University

The contention is contrary to the fact. 2 But the form of the order is without importance.

Cornell University

This runs contrary to the fact that the events themselves function for many as a jolly excuse for jingoism.

The Guardian - Sport

Under the challenged statute, a presumption is created which is shown in the case of the assessment against the respondent for the years in question to be contrary to the fact,—namely, that an arbitrarily assumed proportion of the dividend is paid out of the respondent's earnings in Wisconsin for the year immediately preceding the payment of such dividend.

Cornell University

It is rather amazing that the complementary energy always attains minimum value at the equilibrium state irrespective of the stability of cable networks, contrary to the fact that only the stationary principles have been presented for elastic trusses and continua even in the case of stable equilibrium state.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

This is contrary to the fact that for.

Advances in Difference Equations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Books

To surround Stalin with glory - contrary to the facts and contrary to historical truth.

The Guardian

"This decision is unconscionable, vindictive, and heavy handed and, most important, contrary to the facts, contrary to the evidence and contrary to any notion of fundamental fairness," Mr. Dutrow's lawyer, Michael Koenig, said.

The New York Times - Sports

The writer seems to assume that landlords are entitled to harass rent-regulated tenants, something clearly contrary to the law, although, unfortunately, not contrary to the facts.

The New York Times

"Contrary to the facts, the S*n published a front page story with the banner headline 'The Truth' which contained blatant lies".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrary to the fact" to directly challenge a misconception or a statement that is not aligned with reality, ensuring your claim is supported by evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to the fact" without providing clear evidence or reasoning to support your claim. The phrase implies a direct contradiction of something generally accepted as true, so ensure your counter-argument is well-founded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to the fact" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a statement or idea that is in opposition to something that is believed to be true. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase. It sets up a contrast, indicating a deviation from what is generally accepted or understood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrary to the fact" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a statement that contradicts a common belief or accepted truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, including academic, scientific, and news media. While not exceedingly common, it serves a valuable purpose in clarifying misconceptions and introducing alternative perspectives. When using this phrase, ensure your counter-argument is supported by evidence to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "despite the fact" or "in spite of the fact" offer similar ways to express contradiction or contrast.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in contradiction to the fact

Emphasizes a direct conflict or opposition.

in opposition to the fact

Highlights a stance against the existing reality.

despite the fact

Indicates something occurs even though the fact suggests otherwise.

notwithstanding the fact

A more formal way of saying "despite the fact".

regardless of the fact

Indicates that something is not affected by the fact.

belies the fact

Suggests that something hides or contradicts the underlying truth.

runs counter to the fact

Implies a direct opposition or conflict.

in defiance of the fact

Emphasizes a deliberate disregard for the truth.

in spite of the fact

Highlights that something happens even with the fact being a potential obstacle.

at odds with the fact

Indicates a state of disagreement or conflict with the truth.

FAQs

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

Use "contrary to the fact" to introduce a statement that opposes a common belief or assumption. For instance, "Contrary to the fact that many believe crime is rising, statistics show a decrease in most major cities."

What phrases are similar to "contrary to the fact"?

Alternatives include "despite the fact", "in spite of the fact", or "notwithstanding the fact", all of which indicate a contrast with an existing reality.

Is it better to say "contrary to the fact" or "contrary to the facts"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "contrary to the facts" is more commonly used, especially when referring to multiple pieces of evidence. "Contrary to the fact" is suitable when addressing a singular, specific point.

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

"Contrary to the fact" indicates a direct opposition or contradiction, while "in contrast to the fact" simply highlights a difference or distinction without necessarily implying a falsehood.