in the contrary direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the contrary direction" is not correct in standard English; the correct expression is "in the opposite direction." You can use it when describing a movement or action that is going the reverse way from a specified point or reference.
Example: "The car was heading in the opposite direction, away from the city center."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Moreover the period-one double-impact symmetrical motion will undergo Hopf bifurcation directly as the forcing frequency is changed in the contrary direction.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

And there is no need to be disturbed by the fact that on this showing there may be more than one contrary to the same thing, that a particular motion will be contrary both to rest and to motion in the contrary direction.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Although such movers can effect motions in the contrary direction to the motion at the head of the causal chain (levers are operated by the downward push of something heavy at the other end), the crucial consideration for Aristotle in this case is that the original, initiating cause of the causal chain should effect the motion according to its nature.

SEP

While equal opportunity is all well and good, it is my opinion that we have veered much too far in the contrary direction.

Huffington Post

In the contrary direction, there may be some element of retinoid signalling downstream of RAI1 action.

Brain Structure and Function

However, the magnitude of the effects was small and in the contrary direction to that expected.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Their 96-88 victory at the TD Waterhouse Center kept both teams going in the contrary directions they were in when they entered the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Often her thoughts went in these contrary directions at once.

The New Yorker

If it is moved inwards the stern moves in p361 that direction; but the bow moves in a contrary direction, for while the bow remains in the same place the whole ship changes position.

University of Chicago

For since the sea is the weight, it turns the ship by pushing in a contrary direction.

University of Chicago

He must be courageous and be able to operate in a contrary direction to the conventional wisdom.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and grammatical correctness, prefer the phrase "in the opposite direction" over "in the contrary direction". The former is more widely accepted and less likely to be perceived as incorrect.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary" as a direct synonym for "opposite" in directional contexts. While "contrary" implies opposition, "opposite" is more precise and grammatically sound when describing directions or paths.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the contrary direction" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a direction that is opposed to or different from a previously stated or implied direction. However, Ludwig AI notes that it is not considered correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "in the contrary direction" appears in a variety of sources, Ludwig AI points out that it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The analysis indicates that its function is to express opposition or reversal. Despite its presence in diverse contexts like science, news, and academia, its use is best approached with caution, especially in formal writing. Preferring alternatives such as "in the opposite direction" ensures clarity and grammatical correctness. Therefore, while the phrase isn't entirely absent from use, opting for more standard alternatives is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the opposite direction

Replaces "contrary" with "opposite", providing a grammatically correct and commonly used alternative.

in the reverse direction

Substitutes "contrary" with "reverse", indicating a movement or trend back to the starting point.

in the other direction

Emphasizes a different path or course, suggesting a deviation from the original way.

conversely

A single-word adverb that indicates an opposite or contrasting viewpoint or action.

on the flip side

An idiomatic phrase suggesting an alternative perspective or outcome.

to the contrary

A more formal expression indicating an opposing fact or statement.

in opposition

Highlights a state of being against or in contrast to something else.

in defiance

Suggests a deliberate act of resistance or non-compliance.

against the grain

An idiomatic phrase indicating a divergence from the norm or expected path.

the other way around

An informal expression that shows there is a reversal of the order.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "in the contrary direction"?

A more grammatically sound and widely accepted alternative is "in the opposite direction". This phrase is less likely to be perceived as incorrect.

Is "in the contrary direction" considered correct in formal writing?

No, "in the contrary direction" is generally considered incorrect in formal writing. It's better to use "in the opposite direction" for clarity and grammatical accuracy.

When can I use "to the contrary" instead of "in the contrary direction"?

While "in the contrary direction" refers to physical direction, "to the contrary" typically refers to opposing facts or statements. Use "to the contrary" when you mean "in opposition to what has been said".

What's the difference between "in the opposite direction" and "in the reverse direction"?

"In the opposite direction" implies moving away from a reference point, while "in the reverse direction" suggests retracing a path back to the starting point. The choice depends on the specific context of movement or change.