contrary to your letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to your letter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is in opposition or disagreement with the content of a letter received. Example: "Contrary to your letter, I believe that we should proceed with the project as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Has the administration made a policy decision to slow down Superfund cleanups, contrary to your assurances to us last May?" the letter asks.

The New York Times

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] – Contrary to your assertion, I take the environmental concerns of David Schindler, an ecologist, relating to Canada's oil sands very seriously ("Muck and brass", January 22nd).

The Economist

Never do or say anything contrary to your overall intentions".

The Guardian - Music

Contrary to your colleagues' belief, the sky won't fall.

The Guardian - Money

Contrary to your statement, you do have a choice.

Los Angeles Times

It's contrary to your religious beliefs.

WikiHow

I just got to your letter.

The New York Times

Contrary to statements in your letter, stockholders representing a significant portion of our outstanding shares have indicated to us that your proposal substantially undervalues Yahoo!

Forbes

In short, contrary to the letter writer's assumption, they represent no dilution of the security agency's resources.

The New York Times

He claimed recent interventions in the independence debate were contrary to the letter and the spirit of the Edinburgh agreement, which paved the way for the referendum.

The Guardian

Sharansky went into the meeting "to express his shock" at the March 14 police letter, but "Rabbi Rabinowitz assured Sharansky that, contrary to the letter, no woman would be arrested for reciting Kaddish at the Western Wall," the agency statement said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to your letter", clearly state the specific point of disagreement to avoid ambiguity. It's best to be explicit about what you're responding to.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to your letter" as a blanket statement without specifying which part of the letter you are addressing. This can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to your letter" functions as an adverbial phrase or prepositional phrase introducing a statement that contradicts or disagrees with the contents of a previously mentioned letter. It serves to establish a contrast between the letter's assertions and the speaker's or writer's viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contrary to your letter" is used to politely introduce a disagreement with something stated in a letter. Although Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, the lack of real-world examples suggests that its use may be somewhat uncommon. When employing this phrase, it's essential to clearly specify the point of contention to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "in opposition to your letter" or "disagreeing with your letter" can also be considered. Overall the phrase is suitable for professional and formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In contrast to your letter

Similar to "contrary to", but places more emphasis on the difference.

Contrary to the points made in your letter

Specifies that the disagreement pertains to the specific points presented in the letter.

In opposition to your letter

Replaces "contrary to" with "in opposition to", emphasizing a conflicting viewpoint.

Disagreeing with your letter

Directly states disagreement rather than opposition.

Your letter states otherwise

Highlights a discrepancy between the letter's content and reality or another viewpoint.

This contradicts your letter

Focuses on the direct contradiction of the letter's content.

This is at odds with your letter

Indicates a conflict or inconsistency with the letter's content.

Differing from your letter

Highlights a difference in opinion or information.

Not in accordance with your letter

Emphasizes a lack of alignment with the letter's content.

Irreconcilable with your letter

Suggests a fundamental incompatibility with the letter's content.

FAQs

How do I use "contrary to your letter" in a sentence?

You can use "contrary to your letter" to introduce a statement that disagrees with something mentioned in a letter you received. For example, "Contrary to your letter, I believe that we should proceed with the project as planned."

What can I say instead of "contrary to your letter"?

You can use alternatives like "in opposition to your letter", "disagreeing with your letter", or "this contradicts your letter" depending on the context.

Is "contrary to your letter" formal or informal?

"Contrary to your letter" is generally considered to be a neutral to slightly formal phrase suitable for professional or business correspondence.

What's the difference between "contrary to your letter" and "according to your letter"?

"Contrary to your letter" indicates disagreement or opposition, while "according to your letter" indicates agreement or acknowledgment of the information presented in the letter.