on the contrary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the contrary to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express the opposite of what was previously stated. For example, "Some people think the new law will be beneficial; on the contrary to that opinion, I think it will be detrimental."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the contrary, to a one, they are self-interested, embittered and vindictive.

The New York Times - Books

To be and feel European is not to renounce one's identity; it is, on the contrary, to add an extra layer to it and make it richer.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is on the contrary to what one would expect and to what others have seen.

Cancer Medicine

He seems, on the contrary, to be searching for answers.

The New Yorker

"I told him, on the contrary, to get away from home, the way I did.

The New Yorker

On the contrary: to have reached middle age at all implies courage and doggedness.

The Guardian - Books

On the contrary to Mn, Fe enrichment not only impaired calcification but induced significant bleaching.

Nature

On the contrary to traditional adaptive schemes, it results in a linear closed-loop system.

Chemical Engineering Science

On the contrary to what you're saying, Timothy Leary did not bring shame to the world of science.

University of California, Berkeley

"On the contrary to feeling guilty, they feel very good about sticking with the candidate that they felt was best".

The New York Times

On the contrary, to place an action in its context may be to deepen the guilt of its perpetrators.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the contrary to", ensure that the contrasting statement is clearly and directly opposed to the preceding one. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your counterargument.

Common error

Avoid using "on the contrary to" when a simple difference, rather than a direct opposition, is intended. Overstating the contrast can weaken your argument if the opposing viewpoints are not truly contradictory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the contrary to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts a previous one. It sets up an opposing viewpoint, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the contrary to" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to introduce a contrasting statement. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it's less common than alternatives like "contrary to". Its function is to present a direct contradiction, often found in neutral to formal contexts such as science, news, and academia. For clearer and more concise writing, consider using shorter alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to

This option is a shorter and more common way of expressing the same contrast.

in contrast to

This alternative emphasizes the difference or disparity between two things.

as opposed to

This phrase highlights a direct opposition between two choices or possibilities.

unlike

This option is simpler and used to show a difference in characteristics.

conversely

This adverb indicates that the following statement reverses the previous one.

on the other hand

This phrase introduces a contrasting point of view, often presenting an alternative perspective.

by contrast

This alternative is similar to "in contrast to" but can also be used to show the opposite result.

in opposition to

This option suggests a more forceful or direct contradiction.

rather than

This phrase introduces an alternative preference or choice.

to the contrary

This concise phrase indicates that the opposite is true.

FAQs

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

Use "on the contrary to" to introduce a statement that directly opposes a previous one. For example, "Some believe this will help; "on the contrary to" that, it might hurt."

What are some alternatives to "on the contrary to"?

Alternatives include "contrary to", "in contrast to", or "as opposed to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "on the contrary to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "on the contrary to" is grammatically correct, although it's less common than simpler alternatives like "contrary to". Ludwig confirms its correctness.

What's the difference between "on the contrary to" and "contrary to"?

While both phrases introduce a contrast, "contrary to" is more concise and frequently used. "On the contrary to" adds emphasis but can sometimes sound slightly redundant. Using "contrary to" is generally preferred for its brevity.