conversely

USAGE SUMMARY

'conversely' is a correct and usable word in written English.
This word is used to mean 'on the other hand' or 'on the contrary.' For example, 'I usually enjoy sunny weather, but conversely, I also find rainy afternoons to be quite relaxing.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Conversely, the Green party has seriously got to grips with the economic situation and is delivering practical solutions.

The Guardian

Conversely, the limits of access surely also explain why Bennett's play did not top the poll in London and the south-east of England, where the palm for favourite play went instead to Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Conversely, Fianna Fáil has been given a further headache on top of Lee's intervention over the attitude of their coalition partners, the Irish Green party.

The Guardian

Or whether, conversely, this goes across both genders.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Labour's manifesto, conversely, seeks at least in principle to ensure that jobs pay enough to live on, so that supplementary benefits are not needed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Conversely, if one person grants an honour to another in recognition of (in effect, as a reward for) the fact that the other has made a gift, that does not of itself constitute an offence".

The Guardian

Conversely it is the Tories who are already getting tetchy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Conversely, we project limited generic erosion for Advair from generics.

The Guardian - Business

Conversely a fish caught in the US and processed in China is a "product of China".

The Guardian

Conversely, in some European countries, it counts as a crime to deny the Armenian genocide.

The Guardian - Books

Conversely, Bill Dorsch, who retired as a Chicago police detective in 1994 as a 25-year veteran, said that after decades of outside scrutiny, he considered police abuse in Chicago more exceptional than systemic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conversely" to clearly signal a contrast or opposition to a previous statement, enhancing clarity in your writing. Position it strategically at the start of a sentence or clause to maximize its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "conversely" when simply adding information or elaborating on a point. It should only be used when introducing a direct contrast or opposite idea.

How to use

Learn how to use "conversely" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The adverb "conversely" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a contrast or reversal of a previously stated idea. It connects two opposing thoughts, enhancing the logical flow of the text. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conversely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverb that serves to introduce a contrasting idea. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. When using "conversely", ensure it accurately reflects an opposition to the preceding statement. Alternatives such as "on the other hand" or "in contrast" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the other hand

This phrase introduces a contrasting point, similar to "conversely".

in contrast

This phrase highlights a difference between two things, mirroring the function of "conversely".

by contrast

Functions almost identically to "in contrast", indicating a notable difference.

on the contrary

This phrase emphasizes the opposite of a previous statement, similar to "conversely".

in opposition

Highlights direct opposition, which is a stronger contrast than "conversely" sometimes implies.

vice versa

Indicates a reversal of order or roles, which is a specific type of contrast.

the reverse is true

Directly states that the opposite situation is accurate, conveying a similar meaning to "conversely".

in reverse

Describes a situation that is the opposite of what was previously mentioned.

contrariwise

An older, more formal synonym for "conversely", carrying the same meaning.

yet

A simple conjunction that can introduce a contrasting idea, though less explicitly than "conversely".

FAQs

How do I use "conversely" in a sentence?

"Conversely" is used to introduce an idea that contrasts with or reverses a previous statement. For example, "Some people enjoy hot weather; "conversely", others prefer the cold".

What are some alternatives to the word "conversely"?

You can use alternatives such as "on the other hand", "in contrast", or "on the contrary" to introduce a contrasting idea.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "conversely"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "conversely" to clearly signal a contrasting point. It's a common and effective way to structure your writing.

What's the difference between "conversely" and "similarly"?

"Conversely" introduces a contrasting idea, while "similarly" introduces a comparison or similarity. They have opposite functions in writing.