counter that

USAGE SUMMARY

"counter that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to introduce a rebuttal or opposing argument to something that has been previously stated. Example: "I understand your concerns about raising taxes, but counter that with the fact that the increased revenue will go towards improving our public school system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A fish counter that doesn't reek.

The New York Times

They sat at the counter that ran along the window.

The New Yorker

It has an automatic counter that keeps track of this.

The New Yorker

A signed counter that handles overflow via wrap-around.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Marsh's arrival would counter that.

Independent

Liberals counter that markets aren't truly competitive.

The New York Times

"There's two answers to counter that view.

The Guardian

Emory has tried to counter that criticism.

The New York Times

Supporters of Question 2 couldn't counter that onslaught.

The New York Times

"We're going to counter that by getting people out.

The New York Times

Notre Dame, which plays four guards, cannot counter that size.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "counter that", ensure the opposing viewpoint is clearly articulated and supported with evidence or reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "counter that" when you simply agree with a previous statement; it implies disagreement or opposition, not affirmation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counter that" functions as a transitive verb phrase, primarily used to introduce a rebuttal or opposing argument. It directly challenges a previously stated claim, presenting an alternative perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signals disagreement or opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "counter that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or argument. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to present a rebuttal or challenge a previous statement. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and business settings. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain situations. When using "counter that", ensure the opposing viewpoint is clearly articulated and supported with evidence or reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rebut that

This phrase emphasizes offering evidence or argument to prove something is false.

refute that

This suggests proving a statement wrong through logical argument or evidence.

disprove that

Similar to refute, but implies a more definitive demonstration of falsehood.

challenge that

This highlights questioning or contesting a statement without necessarily disproving it.

oppose that

This is a direct declaration of being against the idea or statement.

argue against that

Suggests presenting reasons why something is not correct or desirable.

disagree with that

This is a straightforward expression of a difference in opinion.

take issue with that

Indicates a specific point of contention or disagreement.

contradict that

This directly states that one statement is the opposite of another.

invalidate that

Suggests rendering something without force or foundation.

FAQs

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

Use "counter that" to introduce a contrasting point or argument after a statement has been made. For example, "While some may argue for tax cuts, "counter that" with the potential benefits of increased public services".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "counter that"?

You can use alternatives like "rebut that", "disprove that", or "challenge that" depending on the context.

Is "counter that" formal or informal language?

"Counter that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in highly formal settings, alternatives like "refute that" might be preferred.

What's the difference between ""counter that"" and "however"?

"Counter that" directly addresses a specific point with an opposing argument, while "however" introduces a contrast or qualification more broadly. "Counter that" is more confrontational and specific.