entirely contrary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely contrary to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is completely opposed or in disagreement with something else. Example: "Her actions were entirely contrary to the values she claimed to uphold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"These proposals are entirely contrary to the core beliefs of the Liberal Democrats and the position we adopted in opposition.

The Guardian

"In these cases, where kids are giving it all away at an early age, it is not entirely contrary to their thinking.

The New York Times

By handing control of supposedly liberalising markets back to the politicians, it would run entirely contrary to EU policy.In the short term, however, such shenanigans could help Enel.

The Economist

Yet even the least devoted of Austen readers can surely see that a vivacious Fanny is entirely contrary to the source material.

The Guardian - Books

"Assassination," its former head Sir Richard Dearlove has said, "is no part of the policy of Her Majesty's government" and would be entirely contrary to the agency's ethos.

The Guardian

A Momentum spokesperson insisted they did not recognise the quotes, saying: "The description quoted from Michael Crick's book runs entirely contrary to Momentum's ethos and ways of organising.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Think totally contrary to logic.

WikiHow

The major setback for UPE is that it is not entirely free, contrary to the general perception that parents are not supposed to pay for anything.

The Guardian

If he does fill in at lock with Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick injured – a possibility with which he professed himself entirely happy, contrary to the received wisdom of every shove-weary lock who ever yearned for the freedom of the back row – it may be that whoever wears No6 in his place, perhaps Steven Luatua, plays a blinder and causes him a problem.

The Guardian - Sport

The law — and, in its wake, all the collective forces of the nation — the law, I say, not only diverted from its proper direction, but made to pursue one entirely contrary!

The New Yorker

"Terminator 3", with a budget of over $170m, will be shot entirely in Los Angeles, contrary to earlier plans.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "entirely contrary to", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the subject is opposed to. This enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "entirely contrary to" for simple disagreements. Opt for simpler terms like "different from" or "opposed to" when the situation doesn't require a strong emphasis on complete contradiction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely contrary to" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating a state of complete opposition or contradiction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "entirely contrary to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote complete opposition or contradiction. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's appropriate for formal and informal contexts. Its primary function is to emphasize strong disagreement, commonly found in news, scientific, and business writing. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives when a strong emphasis isn't necessary. Top sources like The Guardian and The New York Times showcase its frequent use in authoritative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely opposed to

Emphasizes direct opposition, suggesting a strong disagreement or conflict.

totally against

Highlights a complete lack of support or agreement with something.

in complete contradiction with

Focuses on the presence of conflicting elements or statements.

diametrically opposed to

Indicates a position that is at the opposite extreme or end of a spectrum.

directly conflicting with

Suggests an immediate and irreconcilable disagreement.

irreconcilable with

Highlights the impossibility of bringing two things into agreement or harmony.

at odds with

Implies a state of disagreement or conflict.

in direct opposition to

Underscores a straightforward and unambiguous resistance or disagreement.

at variance with

Suggests a lack of alignment or consistency between two things.

incompatible with

Highlights the inability of two things to coexist or function together harmoniously.

FAQs

How can I use "entirely contrary to" in a sentence?

Use "entirely contrary to" to express a complete opposition or contradiction between two things. For example, "His actions were "entirely contrary to" his promises".

What are some alternatives to "entirely contrary to"?

You can use alternatives such as "completely opposed to", "totally against", or "in complete contradiction with" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "entirely contrary to" or "completely different from"?

"Entirely contrary to" emphasizes opposition, while "completely different from" simply indicates a lack of similarity. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context. If there is clear conflict or opposition, ""entirely contrary to"" is more appropriate.

Can "entirely contrary to" be used in formal writing?

Yes, ""entirely contrary to"" is suitable for formal writing. It's often found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.