did the contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did the contrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something acted in opposition to what was expected or stated. Example: "While everyone expected him to support the proposal, he did the contrary and voted against it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many studies have shown that men tend to over-promote themselves and women tend to do the contrary.

Harvard Business Review

We assume, then, that this kind of excellence tends to do what is best with regard to pleasures and pains, and vice does the contrary.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So feel with the same intensity but do the contrary". Osborne: You have always had a passion for rhythmic accuracy and long-term rhythmic control.

The New York Times - Arts

Right now, by processing plastic products, it is possible to go from a bottle to a clothing item, but it is not possible to do the contrary.

Forbes

This destabilization is due to the electrical charges compensation, so positive-charged pollutants (cationic ones) usually respond to anionic coagulants whereas negative-charged ones do the contrary (Bulatovic 2007).

Applied Water Science

In fact, it is doing the contrary. .

Huffington Post

"We vote for politicians according to what they say, and then when they get in office they do the contrary.

Los Angeles Times

The other budgets treat the funds as commingled in a so-called unified budget -- despite the clear requirements of the law to do the contrary.

HuffPost

"If you claim you're not a bigot, or whatever it is you identify with, to apologize for doing the contrary is to admit you did those things".

Huffington Post

This merits further investigations as does the contrary finding that the moderating effect of illness on stigma is missing in the layering of AIDS and CS.

BMC Public Health

The majority (64%) of studies were assumed to have conducted complete-case analyses to handle missing values, despite methodological guidance to do the contrary [ 40- 44].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did the contrary" when you want to emphasize a direct opposition to a stated expectation or action. It's suitable for formal writing where a clear contrast is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "did the contrary" in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "did the opposite" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did the contrary" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action that is directly opposite to what was anticipated or suggested. Ludwig AI indicates this expression is correct and highlights that it is used to indicate actions in opposition.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "did the contrary" signifies acting in opposition to an expected or stated action. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, though examples are limited, suggesting it is not a very common expression. Alternatives like "did the opposite" are often more direct. While grammatically sound, consider the context when using "did the contrary", as simpler options may be more appropriate for informal communication. Its function is to strongly emphasize contrast.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did the opposite

A more direct and common way to express the same idea of acting in opposition.

acted in opposition

More formal and emphasizes the act of opposing something specifically.

went against the grain

Idiomatic expression suggesting a deviation from the norm or expectation.

bucked the trend

Specifically refers to opposing a prevailing trend or pattern.

defied expectations

Highlights the surprise or unexpected nature of the opposing action.

took the reverse course

Emphasizes a change in direction or strategy to the opposite.

chose the alternative

Focuses on the selection of an opposing option from available choices.

worked against

Highlights active effort to counteract or oppose something.

reversed the action

Implies undoing or changing a previous action to its opposite.

counteracted the effect

Specifically addresses neutralizing or opposing an effect or consequence.

FAQs

What does "did the contrary" mean?

The phrase "did the contrary" means to act in opposition to what was expected or previously stated. It indicates a direct reversal or opposing action.

How can I use "did the contrary" in a sentence?

You can use "did the contrary" to show that someone acted in opposition to expectations. For example, "Everyone thought he would agree, but he "did the contrary" and declined."

What are some alternatives to "did the contrary"?

Alternatives include "did the opposite", acted against, or "went against the grain". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "did the contrary" formal or informal?

"Did the contrary" leans towards the formal side. In more informal settings, "did the opposite" is often preferred because it sounds more natural.