directly contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "directly contrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is in complete opposition or disagreement with another thing. Example: "The findings of the new study are directly contrary to the established theories in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It runs directly contrary to precedent.

Cornell University

What the administration is doing is directly contrary to what Congress intended a quarter-century ago.

The New York Times

"It is directly contrary to the amendment and to the intent of the amendment," he said.

The New York Times

Ambrose Bierce, for instance, was sure that restive and restless should have "directly contrary meanings".

The Guardian - Books

Which is directly contrary to what people used to think about New Yorker stories.

The New Yorker

This idea runs directly contrary to years of global counter-proliferation efforts.

The Guardian

"It is directly contrary to the church's rhetoric about openness and putting the scandal behind it".

The New York Times

That is directly contrary to what I think is the outcome".

The Guardian

From ignorance or perversity, the editors took "Philistine" in a sense directly contrary to Carlyle's & Matthew Arnold's.

The New Yorker

The FDA's emphasis on studies involving pre-cancerous populations runs directly contrary to the protocol established in its Guidance Report.

Harvard University

"The surrogacy contract," the Baby M court found, "is based on principles that are directly contrary to the objectives of our laws.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "directly contrary", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject is in opposition to. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of the statement.

Common error

While "directly contrary" is acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "diametrically opposed" or "entirely inconsistent" in academic or professional writing to enhance sophistication and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directly contrary" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "contrary". It's used to express a strong sense of opposition or contradiction, emphasizing that something is not just different but fundamentally conflicting with something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "directly contrary" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies strong opposition or contradiction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It finds its primary application in academic writing, news reporting, and scientific discourse, but can also be suitably employed in more informal contexts. When using "directly contrary", clarity is key to ensure the opposed elements are well-defined. While versatile, considering more sophisticated alternatives such as "diametrically opposed" can elevate formal writing. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its reliability and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in direct opposition

Emphasizes the confrontational aspect of the contradiction, focusing on opposing forces.

diametrically opposed

Highlights the complete and irreconcilable nature of the opposition, creating a visual metaphor of extremes.

completely contradictory

Focuses on the logical inconsistency between two statements or ideas.

in stark contrast

Emphasizes the noticeable difference between two things, often highlighting disparity.

entirely inconsistent

Stresses the lack of compatibility or coherence between elements.

irreconcilably different

Indicates differences that cannot be resolved or harmonized.

at odds with

Highlights a conflict or disagreement, often in a broader sense.

in complete disagreement

Emphasizes the lack of consensus or agreement.

mutually exclusive

Highlights that two conditions or options cannot both be true or valid.

poles apart

Suggests the greatest possible difference, using a spatial metaphor.

FAQs

How can I use "directly contrary" in a sentence?

You can use "directly contrary" to indicate that something is in complete opposition or disagreement with something else. For example: "The new evidence is directly contrary to previous findings."

What phrases are similar to "directly contrary"?

Alternatives include "in direct opposition", "diametrically opposed", or "completely contradictory", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "directly contrary" formal or informal?

"Directly contrary" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "entirely inconsistent".

What's the difference between "directly contrary" and "opposite"?

"Opposite" generally implies a polar relationship or binary opposition. "Directly contrary" suggests a more active and forceful disagreement or contradiction, not just difference. For example a "completely contradictory" statement.