counter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "counter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a surface for transactions or as a verb meaning to oppose or respond to something. Example: "She decided to counter his argument with solid evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

But it will be one strong strand in any argument to counter the really fundamental question of the pre-election period – whether a coalition produces the worst of all possible worlds.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the outside it looks like a small, old-world liquor store, but forget yourself, walk right behind the counter, take a seat in the front room or the hallway (complete with discrete exit to a side street), knock back some drinks and chat with owner Dilip and the locals.

The Guardian - Travel

So this year, we're publishing our second annual "it's happening" gallery designed to inspire, excite and counter the insidious narrative from the climate sceptics and go-slowers, that the UK is engaged in some kind of unique and isolated climate folly.

The Guardian

This result gives Turkey's Kurds and the other voters who deserted the AKP and flocked to the HDP banner an unprecedented national platform from which to counter the neo-Islamist AKP's assault on Turkey's secular tradition, which has gathered pace in recent years.

The Guardian

Among reaction on Twitter, Rabeb Othmani offered to accompany non-Muslim people visiting Birmingham, referencing the hashtag #illridewithyou that was used to counter fears over the safety of Muslims after customers and staff were taken hostage in a cafe in Sydney in December.

The Guardian

The focus was to counter western interests in Africa".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

As an environmentalist, and someone who believes that everyone in this world has a right to a healthy and nutritious diet of their choosing, I could not have chosen a more counter-productive path.

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, 30 specialists from the state department, FBI and Pentagon, with medical, intelligence, counter-terrorism and communications expertise, have been sent to Nigeria.

The Guardian

The review was aimed at achieving a more rigorous approach to who should get counter-terrorism money, and what it regards as Labour's bungling.

The Guardian

Clarke said: "The first priority of any British government is to provide for the security of the citizens of the country, and at the moment in the criminal field all the major activity is international, whether you're talking about international people trafficking, drug dealing, whether you're talking about illegal migration or whether you're talking about counter-terrorism.

The Guardian

Now the Home Office is once again increasing the number of local authorities involved, alongside controversial plans to place a duty on universities, schools and local authorities to "prevent people from being drawn into terrorism", through an amendment to the counter-terror and security bill, which is at the Lords report stage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "counter" as a verb, ensure the context clearly indicates what you are opposing or responding to. For instance, "The government needs to counter misinformation effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "counter" interchangeably with "oppose" without providing specific context. "Counter" often implies a direct response or action taken against something, whereas "oppose" can be a more general stance. For example, instead of saying "They counter the proposal", specify how they are responding: "They countered the proposal with a revised plan".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "counter" varies depending on the context. It can function as a noun, referring to a surface or an object used for counting, or as a verb, meaning to oppose or respond to something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "counter" is a versatile term with meanings ranging from a physical surface to an action of opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and context-dependent. It functions as both a noun and a verb, serving purposes from describing objects to expressing resistance. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for a broad audience. To avoid misuse, ensure context clarifies what is being opposed. Alternatives like "oppose", "rebut", and "neutralize" provide nuanced options depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oppose

Directly expresses resistance or disagreement, similar to "counter" in its oppositional sense.

rebut

Suggests a more formal or argumentative form of opposition, implying a point-by-point refutation.

invalidate

Implies disproving or negating something, akin to countering an argument or claim.

neutralize

Focuses on rendering something ineffective, similar to countering a threat or action.

offset

Implies balancing or compensating for something, akin to countering a negative effect.

go against

Informal way to indicate opposition or contradiction, similar to "counter" in everyday language.

defend against

Highlights the defensive aspect of countering, implying protection from an attack or threat.

act against

Suggests taking action in opposition to something, similar to countering a plan or initiative.

react to

Focuses on the responsive aspect of countering, implying a reaction to a stimulus.

calculate

Emphasizes the numerical aspect of using a counter in counting scenarios.

FAQs

How can I use the word "counter" in a sentence?

You can use "counter" as a noun, referring to a surface or a token used in games, or as a verb, meaning to oppose or respond to something. For example, "He placed the money on the counter" or "She decided to counter his argument with solid evidence".

What are some alternatives to the verb "counter"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "oppose", "rebut", or "neutralize" as alternatives to "counter".

What is the difference between "counter" and "oppose"?

"Counter" often implies a direct response or action taken against something, while "oppose" can be a more general stance. Using the word "counter" suggests a more targeted or tactical reaction.

Is it appropriate to use "counter" in formal writing?

Yes, "counter" is appropriate in formal writing. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, from academic to professional settings, to indicate opposition, response, or calculation.