counter assert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "counter assert" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where one is challenging or opposing an assertion made by someone else, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "In the debate, she decided to counter assert her opponent's claims with evidence."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sit-ins at lunch counters asserted a principle of equality against business owners' traditional legal right to decide whom to admit to their places.

The New Yorker

SABMiller countered, asserting that Foster's had made "misleading and deceptive" statements in its full-year financial results, claims that Australian regulators declined to pursue.

The New York Times

Pope Suburban II issues a bull excommunicating "any who pilfer salted almonds and beverages without just recompense," but Antipope Inclement III counter- asserts a divine right to free snacking (Jus Pretzelonis) by anyone engaged in the holy work of killing Muslims.

Forbes

They counter by asserting that they are not, in fact, good-looking.

The Guardian - Music

It is inconclusive because, faced with the reply, the classical liberal critic can always simply counter-assert that "negative liberty" (again, liberty understood as the absence of intentional coercion) is actually the kind of liberty we should be primarily concerned with.

SEP

A defense lawyer, Diarmuid White, countered by asserting that prosecutors had challenged only whites.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney countered by asserting that the president had generated "turmoil" with Israel, noting that 38 Democratic senators had signed a letter urging him to repair the damage.

The New York Times

But the committee's ranking Republican, Senator John McCain of Arizona, countered by asserting that more troops were "vitally needed" in Afghanistan and that any delay in ordering more combat forces to the fight would put American lives at risk.

The New York Times

Strong was criticized by his opponents for his lack of military service and for the fact that he was a lawyer; he countered by asserting his patriotism through his association with Joseph Hawley.

Wikipedia

Even as consumers increasingly demand their entertainment when and where they want it, a counter-trend will assert itself in 2014: box-office revenue will amount to $38bn, surpassing sales and rentals of DVDs and Blu-ray by $2bn.

The Economist

It seems counter-intuitive to assert that simple, unsophisticated, non-engineered, timber and masonry structures that now seem so archaic as to be more easily associated with the medieval rather than modern world might be safer in large earthquakes than new structures of reinforced concrete, but such has proven to be the case in a number of recent earthquakes.

Engineering Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If the intention is to present a contrary argument, use "counter" followed by a verb that clearly indicates the action, for instance, "counter by arguing".

Common error

Avoid using "counter assert" in formal writing or academic papers. While understandable, it lacks the precision and established usage of alternatives like "refute", "rebut", or "challenge". Opt for these to maintain credibility and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counter assert" functions as a verb phrase aimed at expressing opposition or contradiction to a previous statement. Although not standard, it attempts to convey the act of making a counter-assertion. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as non-standard.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "counter assert" attempts to combine the notions of countering and asserting, it is not a standard or widely recognized expression in English. Ludwig AI classifies this phrase as non-standard. More conventional alternatives such as "rebut", "refute", or "challenge" are recommended for clearer and more effective communication. Given its uncommon usage, particularly in formal contexts, it is advisable to opt for established phrases to maintain clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refute

Refute means to prove something wrong or false, often with evidence.

rebut

Rebut implies a direct attempt to disprove or invalidate an argument or claim.

contradict

Contradict suggests a direct opposition, stating the opposite of what was previously said.

argue against

Argue against means to present reasons or evidence against a particular view.

dispute

Dispute involves questioning or challenging the validity of a statement or fact.

challenge

Challenge suggests a formal questioning or demand for justification.

contest

Contest implies actively disputing or struggling against a claim or decision.

oppose

Oppose means to be against something, either actively or passively.

counter

Counter, on its own, implies opposing or negating something.

disagree with

Disagree with indicates a difference of opinion or belief.

FAQs

What does "counter assert" mean?

"Counter assert" implies opposing an existing assertion, though it's not a standard English phrase. It suggests making a claim in response to another claim.

What are some alternatives to "counter assert"?

You can use alternatives like "rebut", "refute", or "challenge" depending on the specific context.

Is "counter assert" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "counter assert" is not considered standard English. It's better to use more established phrases like "counter argue" or "rebut the assertion".

How can I use "counter" effectively in a sentence?

Use "counter" with a clarifying verb, for example, "counter by arguing" or "counter with evidence", to clearly express your intent to oppose a claim.