indicate the opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicate the opposite" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that you are about to present a counter argument to something that has been previously stated. For example, "Although the study indicated a correlation between higher consumption of sugar and an increased risk of obesity, we can also indicate the opposite."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The absence of conflict is neither required for nor indicative of collaboration, and can sometimes indicate the opposite.

HuffPost

In fact, they indicate the opposite.

The Guardian - Opinion

The reaction in recent months seems instead to indicate the opposite.

The Guardian - Opinion

A really high ratio would indicate the opposite: barely any cash going in.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nearby, Duane Stahl's multilayered print, "Yawn," uses a similar open-mouthed pose to indicate the opposite extreme.

The New York Times

Later studies of everyday behaviour in the era of television dominance seem to indicate the opposite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To me, now, they indicate the opposite: evidence you faced up to the primal horrors that are the meat and potatoes of the weepie.

The Guardian - Opinion

But as 1990 draws to a close, the numbers indicate the opposite: The networks' audience share for the year will be 61percentt.

The New York Times

While the classification of Nariva suggests a return to natural land covers, the continuous measures of land cover change indicate the opposite.

Geoforum

At times it risks crossing the line from educational to lecturing, as she seems well aware: "I'm a fun lady!" she says, in a tone to indicate the opposite.

The Guardian

Some would suggest Wenger is stubborn for refusing to bow out, conceited to imagine he can recreate past success when the evidence with each passing season seems to indicate the opposite.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indicate the opposite" to clearly signal a contrasting viewpoint or evidence that challenges a previous statement.

Common error

Avoid using "indicate the opposite" when a simpler word like "no" or "however" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when presenting a counter-argument based on evidence or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicate the opposite" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It highlights a reversal or contradiction, often based on presented evidence or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English and conveys a counter-argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indicate the opposite" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase. As Ludwig AI stated, its primary function is to present a counter-argument or evidence that contradicts a previous statement. It finds common usage in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, making it versatile for various writing purposes. When choosing this phrase, remember to ensure that a genuine contrast is being presented, not merely a difference, and be mindful of simpler alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggest the contrary

Focuses on the suggestion or implication of something being different.

imply the reverse

Highlights the implication of a reversed or opposite situation.

point to the contrary

Emphasizes the direction or evidence supporting an opposing view.

show the inverse

Stresses the demonstration of an inverted or opposite relationship.

demonstrate the antithesis

Highlights the demonstration of a direct opposite or contrast.

reveal the contradiction

Focuses on the revelation or uncovering of a contradictory element.

exhibit the divergence

Emphasizes the exhibition of a deviation or difference.

betray a different picture

Stresses a conflicting depiction or representation.

give a conflicting impression

Highlights the presentation of an impression that does not align.

portray an alternate scenario

Focuses on the depiction of a different or alternative possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "indicate the opposite" in a sentence?

You can use "indicate the opposite" to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or evidence that contradicts a previous statement. For example, "While initial reports suggested improvement, later data "indicate the opposite"".

What are some alternatives to "indicate the opposite"?

Alternatives include "suggest the contrary", "imply the reverse", or "point to the contrary", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "indicate the opposite"?

Use "indicate the opposite" when you want to emphasize a direct contrast or contradiction supported by evidence or analysis, rather than simply introducing a different perspective.

What is the difference between "indicate the opposite" and "suggest otherwise"?

"Indicate the opposite" implies a stronger level of evidence or a more direct contradiction, while "suggest otherwise" implies a weaker hint or alternative possibility.