contrary to the reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to the reality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something appears to be true, but the actual truth is different. For example, "He claimed he had won the race, but it was contrary to the reality - he had actually come in last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And yet they argue this is contrary to the reality.

The Guardian - Business

The question threw me because it presumed a fact that seemed dubious at best -- and completely contrary to the reality I've experienced, both personally and through the stories I've written about women who own businesses.

The New York Times

Parden was the first case to suggest that the sovereign immunity announced in Hans was so fragile a flower that it could be abrogated under Article I–a suggestion contrary to the reality that Hans itself involved a congressional conferral of jurisdiction enacted under Article I. See Union Gas, 491 U.S., at 36—37 (Scalia, J., dissenting).

Cornell University

So will I!" On CNN's "State of the Union," Miller repeatedly slammed both Bannon and Wolff, calling the book a "betrayal of the president" that is "so contrary to the reality of those who work with him". Miller added that "the book is best understood as a work of poorly written fiction.

The Washington Post

Due to the limitation of computing power and quest for affordable solutions, the reservoir characterization problem has been assumed to be linear contrary to the reality.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Because when it comes to climate change Trump is on par with Trudeau, Turnbull, May, Hollande, Abe, Putin, and the leaders of China, Brazil, Mexico and everyone else meaning that they all are pursuing agendas that are contrary to the reality of climate change.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

RATLIFF But that's a one-night-only thing, and contrary to the natural reality of jazz.

The New York Times - Arts

Contrary to the agreed upon reality, you do NOT have to gain 6 or 7 pounds this holiday season.

Huffington Post

Contrary to the common conspiracy theories, the reality was more prosaic: an important debate over how various anti-United States extremist groups (secularists and Islamists, Sunnis and Shiites) can and do cooperate.

The New York Times

His dreamy work pursues goals quite contrary to the constant concern for reality that characterised both Monet and Degas.

The Guardian - Arts

He is said to have held that "the good is one, though it is called by many names, sometimes wisdom, sometimes God, and sometimes reason" and that "the contrary to the good has no reality".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to the reality", ensure you provide a clear and verifiable account of what the actual reality is to avoid ambiguity and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to the reality" when simply expressing a difference of opinion. This phrase implies a verifiable discrepancy between perception and fact, not just a subjective viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to the reality" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adverbial to modify a clause or sentence. It introduces a statement that contrasts with a previously mentioned or implied situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contrary to the reality" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to emphasize a difference between appearance and fact. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English, highlighting its acceptance in standard communication. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, scientific publications, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that a clear and verifiable account of the actual reality accompanies it to prevent ambiguity. Though similar to phrases like "in reality", "contrary to the reality" emphasizes the contradiction between appearance and truth. By keeping these guidelines in mind, writers can effectively use "contrary to the reality" to convey precise and impactful statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposite to the reality

Replaces "contrary" with "opposite", emphasizing direct opposition.

different from the truth

Focuses on the deviation from what is true, rather than what seems real.

at odds with the facts

Highlights a conflict with established facts.

inconsistent with what is real

Emphasizes the lack of consistency with reality.

in opposition to the actual situation

Highlights the contrast to an actual situation.

divergent from the real state of affairs

Uses more formal language to indicate a departure from the true situation.

belied by the actual circumstances

Suggests that appearances hide the true circumstances.

running counter to what's truly happening

Uses informal language to emphasize the opposition to actual events.

not in accordance with the truth

Uses more formal language to indicate disagreement with the truth.

at variance with the real world

Indicates a conflict or disagreement with the known world and its conditions.

FAQs

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

Use "contrary to the reality" to highlight a difference between an apparent situation and the actual truth. For example, "The company reported record profits, but "contrary to the reality", they were deeply in debt."

What can I say instead of "contrary to the reality"?

You can use alternatives like "opposite to the reality", "different from the truth", or "at odds with the facts" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "contrary to the reality" or "contrary to reality"?

"Contrary to reality" is more concise and commonly used. "Contrary to the reality" is also correct but can sometimes sound less natural depending on the specific context. For example, "Despite claims to the contrary, the reality is that sales declined."

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

"Contrary to the reality" emphasizes a contradiction between an appearance and the actual situation, while "in reality" simply introduces the actual state of affairs, often to correct a misconception. For example, "He seemed confident, but "contrary to the reality", he was terrified. "In reality", he had never spoken in public before."