maintain the contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain the contrary" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where one is discussing opposing viewpoints or arguments, but it may require clarification or rephrasing for better understanding. Example: "In this debate, I will maintain the contrary to highlight the flaws in the opposing argument."

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I wonder also who will be the man who will maintain the contrary, and will pretend to show that the crimes of the Mitylenians are of service to us, and our misfortunes injurious to the allies.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I consider that we are deliberating for the future more than for the present; and where Cleon is so positive as to the useful deterrent effects that will follow from making rebellion capital, I, who consider the interests of the future quite as much as he, as positively maintain the contrary.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On the contrary, many maintain the contrary.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Others, perhaps intentionally, maintain precisely the contrary opinion to this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Behaviorist accounts maintain, to the contrary, that pretending requires only the ability to 'behave as if' the content of the pretense were true (Harris 1994, 2000; Perner 1991; Nichols and Stich 2003).

SEP

The leading contemporary representative of the non-skeptical interpretation of this argument, Don Garrett (1997), maintains, on the contrary, that Hume, in these sections of the Treatise and the Enquiry, is only making the purely descriptive claim that "reasoning" cannot be the cause of our inductive inferences.

SEP

On the contrary, he needed them to maintain the economy while he established his power.

The New Yorker

On the contrary, they require important recurrent costs to maintain the capital goods developed.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

On the contrary, heterotrophy should maintain symbiont concentration and photosynthesis during heat stress and thereby maintain the carbon acquisition and translocation compared to stressed and unfed corals.

Nature

On the contrary, Eliot maintains the emotions are what we make art from.

The Guardian - Books

Two Iranian revolutionary guards describe organising the takeover of the American embassy and confirm what others maintain, that, contrary to rumour, the current president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, refused to be involved in the siege.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain the contrary", ensure the context is clear and that the phrase's somewhat formal tone is appropriate for your audience. Consider whether a more common alternative like "argue the opposite" would be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain the contrary" in informal or casual writing. Its elevated tone can sound stilted or unnatural in everyday conversation or less formal contexts. Instead, opt for simpler phrases like "disagree" or "think otherwise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain the contrary" functions as a verbal expression indicating a disagreement or opposition to a previously stated claim. It asserts an opposing viewpoint, as seen in Ludwig's examples from academic texts and news articles where different sides of an argument are being presented.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain the contrary" is used to express disagreement or opposition, primarily in formal contexts like academic papers, news articles, and scientific discussions. As Ludwig AI indicates, while grammatically correct, it may sound somewhat awkward to a contemporary ear and is not as common as simpler alternatives such as "argue the opposite" or "assert the opposite". The phrase functions to counter a previously stated claim and is more suited to situations demanding a deliberate and considered tone. Therefore, while acceptable, writers should consider whether alternative phrasings might be more effective in achieving clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assert the opposite

Replaces "maintain" with "assert" focusing on a strong declaration of the opposing view.

argue the contrary

Emphasizes the act of presenting reasons or evidence against the original statement.

contend the opposite

Similar to "assert" but with a slightly more formal tone.

hold the contrary view

Focuses on possessing a differing opinion or belief.

profess the opposite

Implies a declaration of belief that may or may not be genuine.

sustain the opposition

Highlights an continuous disagreement or resistance.

defend the contrary position

Suggests a more proactive effort to argue for an opposing view.

stand in opposition

Implies disagreement or antagonism.

counter the claim

Focuses on directly opposing a specific assertion.

take issue with

Indicates disagreement or challenge with a statement or idea.

FAQs

What does "maintain the contrary" mean?

The phrase "maintain the contrary" means to assert or argue the opposite of what has been said or claimed. It suggests a stance of opposition or disagreement.

When is it appropriate to use "maintain the contrary"?

It is appropriate in formal or academic writing when you want to express disagreement or present an opposing argument. However, in casual settings, simpler phrases might be more suitable.

What can I say instead of "maintain the contrary"?

You can use alternatives like "assert the opposite", "argue the contrary", or "hold the contrary view".

Is "maintain the contrary" commonly used?

While grammatically correct, "maintain the contrary" is not as frequently used as other expressions of disagreement. Simpler or more direct phrases are often preferred in modern writing and speech.