on the contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the contrary" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express the opposite of what has previously been said or is the accepted opinion. For example: "Organic fruits and vegetables are too expensive." "On the contrary, they can often be more affordable than their non-organic counterparts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the contrary.

The New York Times

On the contrary, he replied.

The New Yorker

On the contrary, as Brig.

The New York Times

"On the contrary," Eddington replied.

The New Yorker

On the contrary, say detractors.

The Economist

"On the contrary, on the contrary.

The Guardian

No. On the contrary.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is, on the contrary, irreplaceable.

The New Yorker

On the contrary, I reject transphobia completely.

Independent

"On the contrary, reinforcements are being sent".

Independent

On the contrary, he'd been robbed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context. While generally acceptable, "on the contrary" can sometimes sound confrontational, especially in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "on the contrary" to disagree with minor points or subjective opinions. It's best reserved for situations where you have strong evidence or a significantly different viewpoint.

How to use

Learn how to use "on the contrary" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the contrary" functions as a discourse marker, specifically an adversative conjunction. It serves to introduce a statement that contradicts or opposes a previously stated claim. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard way to express opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the contrary" is a very common phrase used to introduce a statement that opposes a previous one. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While generally neutral in register, it's often found in news, academic writing, and even casual conversations. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "to the contrary". Remember that "on the contrary" should be reserved for significant contradictions, not minor disagreements. The phrase is used to strongly disagree with a previous statement and examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist confirm consistent use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite the opposite

Emphasizes a complete reversal of the previous statement, offering a stronger contrast.

just the reverse

Similar to 'quite the opposite', it indicates a complete change in direction or outcome.

au contraire

A more formal and somewhat playful way to express disagreement, borrowed from French.

in fact

Introduces information that supports the opposite viewpoint, often with added emphasis.

if anything

Suggests that the opposite is true, often implying a correction or clarification.

actually

Introduces a fact that contradicts a previous assumption or statement.

conversely

Introduces a statement that reverses the direction of a previous one, often in a logical or mathematical context.

to the contrary

A more formal way to indicate that a statement is false or incorrect.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting perspective or consideration, often implying a balanced view.

not at all

A simple and direct way to express disagreement, often used in response to a question.

FAQs

How can I use "on the contrary" in a sentence?

Use "on the contrary" to introduce a statement that directly opposes a previous one. For example, "I thought the movie would be boring. On the contrary, it was incredibly engaging."

What's a more formal alternative to "on the contrary"?

A more formal alternative is "to the contrary", which carries a similar meaning but is often used in legal or official contexts.

Is "on the contrary" suitable for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "on the contrary" can sound somewhat stiff in casual conversations. Consider using alternatives like "actually" or "in fact" for a more relaxed tone.

What is the difference between "on the contrary" and "on the other hand"?

"On the contrary" is used to present a direct opposite, while "on the other hand" introduces a different perspective or consideration, often implying a balanced view.