on the contrary however

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the contrary however" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used to introduce a statement or opinion that contradicts or disagrees with a previous statement that has been made. For example, "I don't think we should go to the party. On the contrary however, I think it would be a great opportunity to make new friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

On the contrary, however, the film could be seen as a win for the advertising industry.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the contrary, however, creating and maintaining a website that serves as a file-sharing platform not only brings no profit but it invariably requires time, effort and, in most cases, the commitment of personal resources.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the contrary, however, people close to AT&T now say that the company's top executives have essentially resigned themselves to making a deal with one of the outside suitors by the end of the year provided that the outside offers are not ridiculously low.

The New York Times

On the contrary, however, the results also indicate that distance to health facilities increases the risk of neonatal deaths.

Health Economics Review

On the contrary, however, the explicit formula for Riemann zeta function at odd values is difficult if not fundamentally impossible to obtain.

Mathematical Sciences

On the contrary, however, it identifies that the high risk of dying among infants and children is found in mothers of older ages, specifically 35 years old and above (Hossain and Islam 2009).

Genus

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

On the contrary several other groups, however, have reported disappointing follow-up results like high rate of reduction loss and implant failure and argued against the effectiveness of transpedicular grafting of the fractured vertebrae with short-segment fixation [ 30, 36].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

This does not indicate that residential sales prices will be climbing, however; on the contrary, median sales prices may drop even further before stabilizing, Mr. Rand cautioned.

The New York Times

However, on the contrary, passive delivery for about 24 h did not result in any detectable drug levels in the nail matrix.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

On one hand, scientists have proved the utility of ecosystem services for DRR beyond doubts, say for example, mangroves play a pivotal role in wave attenuation, however, on the contrary, the key question remains, whether ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) approaches are robust enough to substitute traditional engineered DRR strategies and influence a strategic shift.

Science and Technology in Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia Potentials and Challenges

However, on the contrary, such formal regulation seems to be imbuing the asset class with credibility.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the contrary however" to introduce a direct contradiction of a previous statement, providing a clear and emphatic shift in perspective. Ensure that the contrasting statement is well-supported with evidence or reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "on the contrary however" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "conversely" or "by contrast" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the contrary however" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, primarily used to introduce a statement that directly opposes or contradicts a previous one. Ludwig's examples illustrate how this phrase sets up a contrasting viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the contrary however" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a direct contradiction, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "however" or "conversely", it serves to strongly emphasize a contrasting viewpoint. Ludwig's analysis of source material reveals that while most frequent in science, news and media, it is appropriate for neutral, formal and business writing. When writing, consider alternatives such as "to the contrary" or "conversely" to avoid repetition. The phrase is best used when a clear and emphatic shift in perspective is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the contrary

Shorter, more direct way of expressing opposition.

quite the opposite

Emphasizes a complete reversal of the previous statement.

by contrast

Emphasizes the difference between two things being compared.

conversely

A single-word substitution, more concise but potentially less emphatic.

notwithstanding

More formal and emphasizes a point despite other considerations.

in opposition

Highlights a direct contrast or disagreement.

as a matter of fact

Used to introduce something that is actually the case, often contrary to what was previously believed.

on the flip side

More informal, indicating an alternate perspective.

in reality

Introduces a statement that contradicts a common misconception.

then again

Introduces a contrasting thought or possibility, often more tentative.

FAQs

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

Use "on the contrary however" to introduce an idea or fact that directly opposes what has just been stated. For instance: "Many believe this approach will fail; "on the contrary however", it is precisely this method that ensures success."

What phrases are similar to "on the contrary however"?

Alternatives include "conversely", "by contrast", or "to the contrary". These phrases serve the same purpose of introducing a contrasting point.

Is it better to use "however" or "on the contrary however"?

"However" is more versatile and widely used. "On the contrary however" is more emphatic, signaling a direct opposition. Choose based on the desired level of emphasis and formality. Overuse of "on the contrary however" can make writing sound repetitive.

Can "on the contrary however" start a sentence?

Yes, "on the contrary however" can begin a sentence to strongly signal a direct contradiction of a previously mentioned idea. Make sure it is followed by a clearly contrasting statement.