contrary to the name

USAGE SUMMARY

'contrary to the name' is a perfectly fine and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate when something is contrary to what its name implies. For example, "The drink was sweet, contrary to the name 'Bitter Ale'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But contrary to the name, not all are international.

The Guardian

Contrary to the name, silks — a pullover jacket and matching cover for the helmet — are rarely made from silk these days.

The New York Times - Sports

Contrary to the name, NoSQL databases often do feature a query language.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Contrary to the name of the program, you don't need to be an undergraduate student.

Duke University

Contrary to the name we call it by, the self is anything but self-sufficient.

Huffington Post

"It may be that eventually 'hone in on' will become so common that dictionaries will begin to enter it as a standard phrase," write the editors of Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage (which, contrary to the name, is not a dictionary but a usage guide), "but its time is not yet.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Because this original report was published without a Latin description (contrary to the naming conventions of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature), he later amended his description in 1959.

Wikipedia

Contrary to the organization's name, Cabinda is an exclave, not an enclave.

Wikipedia

Contrary to what the name implies -- an art of humble materials -- the major works in this show are overproduced and grandiose.

The New York Times - Arts

Contrary to what the name suggests, Internet Slowdown Day didn't actually slow down the Internet, or even any of the Web sites involved.

The New Yorker

You see, contrary to what the name might imply, Safari for OS X and Safari Mobile aren't exactly the same inside.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrary to the name" to introduce an unexpected or ironic aspect of the subject being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to the name" when the difference is minor or trivial; reserve it for cases where the name is genuinely misleading or ironic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to the name" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a statement that opposes or contradicts the common understanding or implication of a particular name. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating this contrast in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contrary to the name" is a useful tool for highlighting discrepancies between a name or label and the actual nature or characteristics of something. It functions as a prepositional phrase to introduce a contrast, and its usage spans across various contexts, as supported by Ludwig. Although Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is uncommon, suggesting it's best reserved for situations where the contrast is significant and impactful. When using this phrase, ensure the contrast is clear and avoid trivial differences. Alternatives like "despite the name" or "in contradiction to the name" may offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Despite the name

Emphasizes the contrast by highlighting that something is true even with the given name.

In contradiction to the name

Highlights a direct conflict between the name and reality.

Contrary to what the name suggests

Explicitly points out that the name is misleading.

Belies its name

A more literary way of saying the name is deceptive.

The name is a misnomer

Directly states that the name is inappropriate or inaccurate.

Though the name implies otherwise

Acknowledges the implication of the name but introduces a contrasting reality.

The name is deceiving

Focuses on the misleading nature of the name.

Opposite of what the name implies

Highlights that the reality is the reverse of the name's suggestion.

In contrast to its designation

Uses a more formal term for "name" to indicate the discrepancy.

Even though it's named...

Directly points out that the name of something is not accurate.

FAQs

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

You can use "contrary to the name" to highlight a discrepancy between a term and what it actually represents. For example, "Contrary to the name, 'jumbo shrimp' are not necessarily large shrimp.

What are some alternatives to "contrary to the name"?

Alternatives include "despite the name", "in contradiction to the name", or "contrary to what the name suggests" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "contrary to the name"?

It is appropriate when you want to point out that the actual characteristics or properties of something do not align with what its name implies, often creating a sense of irony or surprise.

Is there a difference between "contrary to the name" and "contrary to popular belief"?

Yes, "contrary to the name" focuses specifically on a discrepancy with a name or label, while "contrary to popular belief" addresses misconceptions or widely held but inaccurate assumptions.