otherwise contrary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "otherwise contrary to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a condition that contradicts or opposes something previously stated. Example: "The proposal is accepted, unless otherwise contrary to the established guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Rule 46 of the court's procedural rules (pdf) states that "A chamber may, after a warning, impose sanctions against or refuse audience to a counsel if, in its opinion, his conduct remains offensive or abusive, obstructs the proceedings, or is otherwise contrary to the interests of justice".

The Guardian

At the same time, the certification team allowed him to retain certain aspects of his vision for the game that were otherwise contrary to the process, including giving the player immediate control of the game instead of requiring a start-up title screen.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Otherwise, unless or until you advise to the contrary, I propose not to enter into this directly".

The Guardian

"I would like to say, contrary to what might otherwise seem to be the case, that the clocks in France and Britain strike the same hours, precisely," Mr. Sarkozy said.

The New York Times

It's true that prenuptial agreements recognize the possibility of divorce, but to think otherwise is contrary to reality when roughly half of all marriages end in divorce.

Huffington Post

So, is positive and decreasing on which yields (otherwise, we get, contrary to (2.26)).

Boundary Value Problems

6-Arm PCL showed depressed excimer formation with regard to 6-arm PLA under the otherwise identical conditions contrary to the conclusion expected from the higher flexibility of the PCL chain.

Polymer

If a man defends himself or is otherwise contrary, she harries him out of his seat and drives him from the theatre.

The New Yorker

Galileo was no anomaly; no aberrant outlier in an otherwise contrary arrangement.

Huffington Post

Juries in Federal criminal cases shall be informed of their right to nullify the law under which the defendant is being tried; that is to say that a jury will be informed of their duty to find a defendant not guilty if the legislation under which he would otherwise be convicted is contrary to natural justice and common law.

Huffington Post

However, the government said last month on social media: "Government won't comment on individual visa applications but like Australia reserves right to disallow entry to those who incite violence or hatred in or against Nauru or otherwise considered unwelcome and/or deemed contrary to the national interest".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "otherwise contrary to" when you want to clearly state that a general rule or principle has an exception under specific circumstances. It is best suited for formal or legal contexts where precision is essential.

Common error

Avoid using "otherwise contrary to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "unless it contradicts" or "except when it opposes" are more appropriate in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "otherwise contrary to" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating an exception or condition that contradicts a previous statement or general rule. As seen in Ludwig, it's used in legal contexts and general writing to introduce conditions where the stated rule doesn't apply.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "otherwise contrary to" is used to introduce an exception to a rule or principle, often in formal writing. It is considered grammatically correct, although Ludwig suggests that simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in informal contexts. Its usage tends to be concentrated in news, science, and wiki sources, and its purpose is to add precision by delineating circumstances where a rule does not apply. When intending to use this phrase, consider if a simpler alternative might fit better, or if the formality of the phrase is required to convey a clear meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unless otherwise specified to the contrary

This is a more formal and explicit way of indicating that an exception exists.

if not in contradiction to

This alternative emphasizes the potential for direct conflict or inconsistency.

except when it opposes

This is a more straightforward way to express an exception based on opposition.

in opposition otherwise

This phrase highlights the opposing nature while still including the 'otherwise' condition.

unless conflicting with

This version replaces 'contrary to' with the direct verb 'conflicting', simplifying the language.

save where inconsistent with

This alternative employs 'inconsistent with', adding a touch of formality.

except when it deviates from

This option focuses on deviation rather than direct opposition, offering a subtle nuance.

but divergent from

This version uses 'divergent' to highlight the difference or separation.

yet distinct from

This emphasizes the distinct or separate nature, rather than a direct contradiction.

except in variance with

This is a more formal way to indicate an exception where there is a difference or disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "otherwise contrary to" in a sentence?

You can use "otherwise contrary to" to indicate an exception to a rule or statement. For example, "The proposal is accepted, unless otherwise contrary to the established guidelines."

What phrases are similar to "otherwise contrary to"?

Similar phrases include "unless stated otherwise", "except when it opposes", or "unless conflicting with". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "otherwise contrary to" formal or informal?

"Otherwise contrary to" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "unless it contradicts".

What's the difference between "otherwise contrary to" and "unless otherwise"?

"Unless otherwise" is a more general phrase indicating an exception, while "otherwise contrary to" specifically implies that the exception involves a contradiction or opposition to something previously stated. "Unless otherwise" is generally shorter to use.