counter to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "counter to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate opposition or contradiction to something. Example: "His actions were counter to the values we uphold as a company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's counter to conservative principles".

The New York Times

The move ran counter to common wisdom.

The New York Times - Sports

It runs counter to human nature.

The New York Times

That omission runs counter to city guidelines.

The New York Times

Other comments ran counter to possible stereotypes.

The New York Times

Rap pan against counter to level rice.

The New York Times - Food

But research runs counter to this.

The Guardian - Sport

But the U.S. runs counter to this.

The New York Times - Magazine

His programs run counter to that pledge.

The New York Times

That approach runs counter to Bowa's nature.

The New York Times - Sports

It runs counter to natural law.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a more direct synonym like "contrary to" or "opposed to" for simpler sentences to enhance readability. The choice depends on desired tone and formality.

Common error

Avoid using "counter to" when the relationship is simply different or distinct, rather than directly opposing. The phrase implies a level of antagonism or contradiction that may not always be present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counter to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating opposition or contradiction. As Ludwig AI states, it signifies that something goes against or is contrary to something else. It often introduces an element that contrasts with a previously mentioned idea or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Huffington Post

7%

Vice

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "counter to" is a prepositional phrase used to express opposition or contradiction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and finds frequent usage across varied contexts, including news, science, and even more informal settings. Its versatility makes it suitable for conveying disagreement or contrast effectively. Remember to ensure the opposing relationship is clear to avoid ambiguity and consider synonyms like "contrary to" or "in opposition to" for simpler sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to

Direct synonym, indicating a complete opposition or divergence.

in contradiction to

Formal way to state something opposes logic or facts.

in opposition to

Emphasizes a direct stance against something.

conflicting with

Indicates a clash or incompatibility.

at odds with

Suggests a conflict or disagreement.

in contrast with

Emphasizes differences between two or more things.

running against

Implies active resistance or contradiction.

antagonistic to

Suggests hostility or active opposition.

in defiance of

Highlights a deliberate act of non-compliance.

acting against

Highlights specific behavior that is in opposition.

FAQs

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

Use "counter to" to show that something opposes or contradicts something else. For example, "His actions were "counter to" the company's policies."

What are some alternatives to using "counter to"?

You can use alternatives like "contrary to", "in opposition to", or "at odds with" depending on the specific context.

Is "counter to" formal or informal?

"Counter to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "in contradiction to" for added emphasis.

What is the difference between "counter to" and "different from"?

"Counter to" implies opposition or contradiction, while "different from" simply indicates a distinction without necessarily implying conflict. Use "counter to" when something actively goes against something else.