contrary to the purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to the purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is in opposition to the intended goal or aim of an action or statement. Example: "The changes made to the project were contrary to the purpose we initially set out to achieve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is evidently agitation of terrorism quite contrary to the purpose and nature of the Berlin International Film Festival".

The Guardian - Film

"The irony here," he added, is that "if the procurement is done without full competition and transparency, it runs directly contrary to the purpose of the Medicare.gov site, which is to encourage competition and transparency in the drug market".

The New York Times

As a result, Ms Smith reached a mistaken interpretation of the term 'main home' which, on any objective view, did not fit her personal circumstances and which was therefore contrary to the purpose as well as to the letter of the rule," Lyon said in the report on the case he submitted to the committee.

The Guardian

"It would be arbitrary and contrary to the purpose of entitlement to paid annual leave to grant workers the right to paid leave only if they are already unfit for work when the period of paid annual leave commences," the court ruled.

The Guardian - Money

If the claim was expressed in the language LM used by mathematicians, then nominalists could accept the claim while still denying that there are mathematical objects, contrary to the purpose of the claim.

SEP

He rejected the title Introduction to the Topics and considered the final chapters of the Categories the so-called Postpraedicamenta a later addition contrary to the purpose of the book.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

An established religion might advocate meekness or withdrawal from public life or promote other values that run contrary to the purposes of citizenship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Could there be anything more unseemly or contrary to the purposes for which the judiciary was established?

Huffington Post

Homosexual behavior violates the commandments of God, is contrary to the purposes of human sexuality, distorts loving relationships, and deprives people of the blessings that can be found in family life and in the saving ordinances of the gospel.

Huffington Post

Brutalizing Iraqis, they say, even those who may be enemies, runs contrary to the stated purpose of the United States-led invasion and occupation.

The New York Times

Ignoring younger, Latino voters struck us as not only poor politics, but also as contrary to the entire purpose of our campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to the purpose", ensure the context clearly defines what the intended purpose is. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument or statement.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to the purpose" when simply disagreeing with a method. The phrase is most effective when an action actively undermines the original goal, not just takes a different route.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to the purpose" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates that an action, statement, or situation opposes or contradicts the intended goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contrary to the purpose" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express opposition to an intended goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the original purpose is crucial to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "against the intention" exist, "contrary to the purpose" provides a direct and effective means of conveying divergence from a defined objective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

against the intention

This alternative uses "intention" instead of "purpose", slightly shifting the focus from a general aim to a more deliberate plan.

counter to the objective

"Objective" is a more formal term than "purpose", suggesting a more structured or official aim.

at odds with the goal

Using "at odds with" implies conflict or disagreement, adding a layer of contention not necessarily present in the original phrase.

in opposition to the aim

"In opposition to" emphasizes direct resistance or conflict with the stated aim.

running counter to the design

Focuses specifically on the original plan or design, often used in technical or structural contexts.

defying the intent

"Defying" suggests a deliberate act of resistance against the intended outcome.

subverting the object

"Subverting" implies an attempt to undermine or overthrow the intended object or goal.

violating the spirit

This phrase focuses on the underlying principle or essence, rather than the explicit purpose.

working against the plan

This suggests active steps that hinder the achievement of a pre-arranged scheme or strategy.

inconsistent with the rationale

Highlights a logical disconnect between actions and the reasoning behind the original purpose.

FAQs

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

Use "contrary to the purpose" to indicate that something opposes or undermines the intended goal. For example, "His actions were "contrary to the purpose" of the project, as they delayed its completion."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "against the intention", "at odds with the goal", or "counter to the objective", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "contrary to the purpose" or "contrary to the purposes"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "contrary to the purpose" is more suitable when referring to a singular, defined aim. "Contrary to the purposes" is appropriate when addressing multiple goals or objectives.

What's the difference between "contrary to the purpose" and "in line with the purpose"?

"Contrary to the purpose" means something opposes the intended aim, while "in line with the purpose" means it supports or aligns with it. They are antonyms, representing opposite directions in relation to a specific objective.