is counterintuitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is counterintuitive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that goes against common sense or what one would expect. Example: "The idea that more sleep can lead to increased productivity is counterintuitive to many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Life is counterintuitive.

The New Yorker

"Economics is counterintuitive.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is counterintuitive.

The New York Times

"Milan is counterintuitive," she says.

The New York Times

The way out is counterintuitive.

The Guardian - Tech

The majority's conclusion is counterintuitive.

The New York Times

An audio spotlight is counterintuitive.

The New York Times - Science

"Keen Eddie" is counterintuitive in other ways.

The New York Times - Arts

On the surface, the situation is counterintuitive.

The New York Times

I fundamentally believe that politics is counterintuitive.

The Guardian

One of Nolan's favourite words is "counterintuitive".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider pairing "is counterintuitive" with a brief explanation of why the statement is surprising or unexpected to enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "is counterintuitive" when the concept is simply unfamiliar rather than genuinely opposing common beliefs. Using it inappropriately weakens its impact and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is counterintuitive" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It predicates a quality of a subject, indicating that the subject defies common sense or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is counterintuitive" is a versatile descriptor used to highlight concepts that defy common sense or expectations. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely used, as reinforced by its frequent appearance in news, scientific articles, and business contexts. While alternatives like "defies expectation" or "runs contrary to" exist, "is counterintuitive" effectively sets up a contrast, inviting deeper reflection. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial: ensure the conventional expectation is well-established to amplify the impact. The common mistake is using it when something is simply 'surprising' rather than truly opposing a widely held belief. In conclusion, "is counterintuitive" is a powerful tool when employed judiciously to challenge assumptions and provoke thought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is the opposite of what you'd think

Emphasizes the inverted relationship between expectation and reality.

is at odds with intuition

Highlights the conflict between a concept and intuitive understanding.

doesn't align with common sense

Directly points out the lack of logical agreement with typical understanding.

runs contrary to what one would expect

Highlights the opposition between a concept and anticipated outcomes.

flies in the face of logic

Shows a stark contradiction with reasoned thinking.

defies expectation

Emphasizes that something goes against what is typically expected.

challenges conventional wisdom

Implies a questioning of accepted beliefs or norms.

goes against the grain

Suggests a conflict with prevailing norms or practices.

is paradoxical

Indicates a situation that contains seemingly contradictory aspects.

is not what it seems

Highlights that the apparent reality differs from the actual truth.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "is counterintuitive" in a sentence?

To effectively use "is counterintuitive", present a concept or idea, and then immediately follow with why it defies common sense or expectation. For instance: "Investing more during a recession "is counterintuitive", but it can yield high returns when the market recovers."

What are some alternatives to using "is counterintuitive" in my writing?

Alternatives to "is counterintuitive" include phrases like "defies expectation", "runs contrary to", or "doesn't align with common sense", which offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

Is it always appropriate to use "is counterintuitive" when something is simply surprising?

No, using "is counterintuitive" is most appropriate when something directly opposes common beliefs or expectations, not just when it's merely surprising or unusual. For instance, claiming that "giving away your best stuff for free" is counterintuitive suggests that the common belief is that you should always charge for your best work.

How does the phrase "is counterintuitive" differ from "is paradoxical"?

While both phrases describe something unexpected, "is counterintuitive" indicates something that goes against common sense or intuition, whereas "is paradoxical" suggests a statement or situation that contains seemingly contradictory elements that may be true.