counter to this

USAGE SUMMARY

"counter to this" is a correct phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement or idea that contradicts or goes against something previously mentioned. Example: "I understand your concerns about the budget, but counter to this, the company's profits have actually increased by 10% in the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But research runs counter to this.

The Guardian - Sport

But the U.S. runs counter to this.

The New York Times - Magazine

There was no counter to this.

The New York Times - Arts

Counter to this are the positive achievements of the CDM.

The Guardian

The Roots always ran counter to this trend.

The New Yorker

"Any source of external energy, however weak, runs counter to this philosophy".

The New York Times - Sports

EXCERPT -- "Attempts to act counter to this socialized role are met with ridicule, disapproval and scorn.

The New York Times

"Chimes of Freedom" runs counter to this narrowcasting idea, but that was the point.

The New York Times - Arts

If there are historical episodes that run counter to this, I wish Mr Rajan would point them out.

The Economist

But achieving this will be no easy matter, not least because, arguably, other strands of government rhetoric and policy run counter to this good intention.

The Guardian

But 10 Things runs counter to this preconception: it actually shows young people reading books, knowing about books - by Sylvia Plath and Betty Friedan.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "counter to this", ensure that the statement it introduces directly refutes or contrasts with the preceding statement to maintain clarity and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid using "counter to this" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the 'this' refers to a specific, easily identifiable idea or statement to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counter to this" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a contrasting or opposing viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct construction used to present an alternative perspective. This construction sets up a direct contradiction to a previously mentioned idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "counter to this" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase to introduce a contrasting idea. As Ludwig AI validated, this phrase appears most often in news, media, and scientific contexts to convey disagreement or opposition. While it maintains a neutral to formal tone, the most common mistake is using the expression without a clear antecedent. For alternatives, consider using phrases such as "contrary to this", "in contrast to this", or "conversely" for similar semantic value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to this

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes direct opposition.

in contrast to this

Emphasizes the differences between two things.

in opposition to this

Highlights a direct conflicting viewpoint.

as opposed to this

Highlights an alternative to what was previously mentioned.

by contrast

Highlights a notable difference.

against this

A more direct and forceful way to show disagreement.

on the other hand

Presents an alternative perspective or argument.

differing from this

Focuses on the point of divergence.

conversely

Introduces a statement that reverses the previous one.

notwithstanding this

Acknowledges the previous point but introduces a contrasting one.

FAQs

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

Use "counter to this" to introduce an idea or argument that opposes or contradicts a previous statement. For example, "Many believe that sales will decline this quarter; "counter to this", our data indicates a potential increase."

What are some alternatives to using "counter to this"?

Alternatives to "counter to this" include phrases like "contrary to this", "in contrast to this", or "conversely". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what "this" refers to when using "counter to this"?

While not always mandatory, clarifying what "this" refers to enhances clarity. If there's any ambiguity, rephrasing or adding context is advisable. For example, instead of ""counter to this"", you could say "counter to the previous assertion".

What's the difference between ""counter to this"" and "despite this"?

"Counter to this" introduces a direct opposition or contradiction, whereas "despite this" acknowledges a point but introduces something that occurs in spite of it. "Counter to this" is stronger in negating the prior statement.