in contrast to conventional wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in contrast to conventional wisdom" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to highlight a difference or disagreement with widely accepted beliefs or opinions. Example: "In contrast to conventional wisdom, recent studies suggest that a high-fat diet may not be as harmful as previously thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Third, in contrast to conventional wisdom, populists are just not very good at commanding popular majorities.

The Washington Post

In contrast to conventional wisdom it is concluded that the generation of the stable atmospheric glow is unlikely to be related to a pre-breakdown pre-ionization mechanism.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Based on year 2020 marginal abatement cost curves from different models and current EU climate policy objectives we show that in contrast to conventional wisdom, road transport inclusion would not change the EU ETS allowance price.

Energy Policy

The concept of "garden variety" white racial identity stands in contrast to conventional wisdom.

HuffPost

In contrast to conventional wisdom, poverty has been found to be a predictor of chronic NCDs in 'low income' countries (12, 13) like the 'high income' countries (14, 15).

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This result is in contrast to the conventional wisdom in the literature regarding the efficiency of the Reciprocity Principle as a rule of renegotiation in trade agreements.

European Economic Review

In contrast to the conventional wisdom that radical inventions are based less on existing knowledge, we find that they are to a higher degree based on existing knowledge than non-radical inventions.

Research Policy

In particular, the results show that being located in a cluster per se actually has a negative effect on firm R&D intensity, which is in contrast to the conventional wisdom of pure or automatic localized knowledge spillovers, as far as firm R&D intensity is concerned.

Research Policy

In contrast to the conventional wisdom that fifty-fifty ownership spells failure because of stalled decision making, alliances with an even split of financial ownership are actually more likely to succeed than those in which one partner holds a majority interest (see the exhibit "Fifty-Fifty Alliances Are More Likely to Succeed").

Harvard Business Review

In contrast to that conventional wisdom, the plan contains a number of elegant and subtle solutions that will enhance the role of competition in bringing drug prices down.

Forbes

It seemed to stand in contrast to the conventional wisdom of give a man a fish (even the best and biggest fish, or a whole school of them) rather than teach that man to fish on his own.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure you provide evidence or reasoning to support the contrasting viewpoint. This will make your argument more persuasive and credible.

Common error

Avoid using "in contrast to conventional wisdom" as a generic introduction without a genuine contrast to established beliefs. Ensure there is a valid and significant difference to justify its use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in contrast to conventional wisdom" serves as a discourse marker, specifically functioning as a contrastive element. It signals that the subsequent statement will present a view or finding that opposes or deviates from established or widely accepted beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in contrast to conventional wisdom" is a valuable tool for writers aiming to introduce a viewpoint that diverges from commonly held beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in diverse contexts, spanning science, news, media and academia. While not excessively common, its strategic use can effectively signal a challenge to established norms, encouraging readers to consider alternative perspectives. When using this phrase, providing evidence or justification is key to maintaining credibility. Remember, the purpose is to enlighten with factual insights against traditional knowledge and improve critical analysis rather than simply contradict it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to popular belief

This alternative emphasizes that the statement opposes what many people assume to be true.

against the grain

Implies that the idea goes against the norm or expected way of thinking.

defying expectations

This phrase suggests that the outcome or situation is surprising and not what was predicted.

challenging established norms

This alternative highlights a direct confrontation with accepted standards or practices.

diverging from common thought

Focuses on the departure from widely accepted ideas or opinions.

bucking the trend

This phrase implies resistance to a prevailing pattern or fashion.

running counter to prevailing views

Emphasizes the opposition to current and dominant perspectives.

at odds with accepted wisdom

Suggests a direct conflict or disagreement with what is generally considered wise or true.

reversing the common narrative

Highlights the act of overturning an established storyline or explanation.

subverting traditional understanding

Implies that a known concept or belief is being undermined or questioned.

FAQs

How can I use "in contrast to conventional wisdom" in a sentence?

Use "in contrast to conventional wisdom" to introduce a statement or idea that opposes what is generally believed or accepted. For example, "In contrast to conventional wisdom, recent studies show that moderate stress can be beneficial."

What phrases are similar to "in contrast to conventional wisdom"?

Similar phrases include "contrary to popular belief", "against the grain", or "defying expectations". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to provide evidence when using "in contrast to conventional wisdom"?

While not strictly mandatory, providing evidence or reasoning after using "in contrast to conventional wisdom" significantly strengthens your argument and enhances your credibility. It demonstrates that your statement is based on something more than just personal opinion.

What is the difference between "in contrast to conventional wisdom" and "according to conventional wisdom"?

"In contrast to conventional wisdom" introduces a conflicting viewpoint, while "according to conventional wisdom" presents a generally accepted belief. The former challenges, whereas the latter reinforces common understanding.