just the reverse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just the reverse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is the opposite of what was previously stated or assumed. Example: "I thought the project would be easy, but just the reverse; it turned out to be quite challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since the algorithm is completely reversible, PPG signal is reconstructed using just the reverse algorithm.

Measurement

Hope: just the reverse.

The New Yorker

Indeed, just the reverse.

The New Yorker

It's just the reverse.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Just the reverse.

The Guardian

Just the reverse, in fact.

The Guardian - Tech

Normally, it's just the reverse.

The New York Times - Science

New Jersey is just the reverse.

The New York Times

With audiences, it's just the reverse.

The New York Times

We did it just the reverse".

The New York Times

"It used to be just the reverse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "just the reverse", ensure that the context is clearly established so the reader understands what is being contradicted.

Common error

Avoid using "just the reverse" when the situation is only slightly different, not entirely opposite. Use more nuanced language for partial reversals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just the reverse" functions as an adverbial phrase or conjunctive adverb, primarily used to indicate direct opposition or contradiction to a previously stated or implied idea. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use in negating prior assumptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just the reverse" is a versatile phrase used to clearly indicate that the opposite of what was previously stated or assumed is true. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While maintaining a neutral tone, it serves to correct misunderstandings and emphasize direct opposition. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For alternatives, consider "quite the opposite" or "the reverse is true".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reverse is true

Directly states that the opposite situation is the accurate one.

quite the opposite

Emphasizes a complete contradiction of the preceding statement.

exactly the opposite

Highlights the precise and complete reversal of the situation.

the very opposite

Stresses the extreme contrast and opposition.

it's the reverse situation

Highlights the change from one state or context to the opposite.

conversely

Introduces a statement that reverses the previous one, often in a formal context.

on the contrary

Used to strongly deny what has been stated and introduce the opposite point.

in contrast

Highlights the differences between two things or situations, suggesting an opposite relationship.

it's the other way around

Suggests that the correct order or perspective is the opposite of what was presented.

the inverse

Emphasizes the mathematical or logical reversal of a relationship or function.

FAQs

How can I use "just the reverse" in a sentence?

The phrase "just the reverse" is used to indicate that the opposite of what was previously said or implied is actually true. For example: "I thought it would be sunny, but just the reverse; it rained all day."

What are some alternatives to "just the reverse"?

You can use alternatives like "quite the opposite", "exactly the opposite", or "the reverse is true" depending on the context.

Is "just the reverse" formal or informal?

"Just the reverse" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, alternatives like "conversely" or "on the contrary" might be preferred.

When should I avoid using "just the reverse"?

Avoid using "just the reverse" when you want to express a slight difference or a nuance, as it implies a complete and direct opposition. In such cases, consider using phrases like "slightly different" or "a bit different".