contrary to this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate an idea or situation that is different from what has just been expressed. For example: "I thought the book would be very boring, but contrary to this it was surprisingly enjoyable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

contrary to this Court's rulings in New Era and Arica.

Stanford University

But matters are running contrary to this desire.

The New York Times

Contrary to this tradition, two main approaches have been proposed.

Language & Communication

The Court's precedents appear to me to be contrary to this new objective approach.

Cornell University

The Illinois Supreme Court's opinion is not at all contrary to this conclusion.

Cornell University

Contrary to this prediction, we found that silencing the PPC significantly improved performance.

Princeton University

Contrary to this assertion, the 200-agent raid netted only five ounces of cocaine.

The New Yorker

Contrary to this, the final register-transfer level models are usually created, at least partly, manually.

Microelectronics Journal

Contrary to this, hot-air oven aged PP plaques showed position related degradation.

Polymer Degradation and Stability

Contrary to this assumption, RMR per body weight in end-stage renal disease was increased.

Journal of Renal Nutrition

Contrary to this, all catalysts were significantly more active for CO oxidation by oxygen.

Molecular Catalysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to this", ensure that the statement it introduces clearly contrasts with the previous one. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to this" when there isn't a direct contradiction or opposing idea to what was previously stated. It's a connector used when a clear difference is present. Without a clear contradiction, the phrase becomes confusing and weakens the overall argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to this" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a contrasting statement. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts, affirming its role in setting up a contrast.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contrary to this" is a grammatically sound and widely used prepositional phrase used to introduce a contrasting statement. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic sources to indicate opposition to a previously mentioned fact or expectation. While acceptable across registers, it's most effective in formal contexts requiring a clear and logical contrast. To enhance clarity, ensure the subsequent statement directly contradicts the preceding one. Overall, "contrary to this" is a valuable tool for conveying contrasting ideas in various writing contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in opposition to this

Emphasizes a direct conflict or resistance to the preceding statement.

in contrast to this

Highlights a difference or disparity compared to the previous point.

unlike this

Indicates a dissimilarity or divergence from the stated condition or idea.

different from this

Focuses on the distinct nature of the current point compared to the previous one.

as opposed to this

Presents an alternative viewpoint or option, creating a sense of opposition.

conversely

Introduces a statement that reverses the direction or idea of the previous one.

on the contrary

Expresses a direct contradiction or denial of the preceding statement.

however

Signals a contrast or qualification to the previous statement, introducing a different perspective.

yet

Similar to 'however', but often implies a more unexpected contrast.

notwithstanding this

Indicates that the following statement is true despite the preceding one.

FAQs

How do you use "contrary to this" in a sentence?

"Contrary to this" is used to introduce a statement that opposes or contradicts a previous statement. For example, "The weather forecast predicted rain; contrary to this, it was sunny all day."

What phrases are similar to "contrary to this"?

Alternatives to "contrary to this" include phrases like "in contrast to this", "on the contrary", or "unlike this". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "contrary to this"?

It's incorrect to use "contrary to this" if the following statement doesn't actually contradict or oppose the previous one. Make sure there's a clear contrast in meaning.

What is the difference between "contrary to this" and "in spite of this"?

"Contrary to this" indicates a direct opposition or contradiction, while "in spite of this" acknowledges a fact but introduces a statement that is unexpected given that fact. For example, "Contrary to this prediction, the results showed otherwise" versus "In spite of this difficulty, we persevered".