per contra

USAGE SUMMARY

"per contra" is a valid phrase used in written English.
It is often used in legal or scholarly writing to introduce a contrasting point or argument. For example: "The defendant argues that he acted in self-defense. Per contra, the prosecution contends that the defendant was the initial aggressor." In this example, "per contra" is used to introduce the opposing viewpoint or argument to the one previously stated. It is essentially the equivalent of "on the other hand" or "contrariwise." Other examples of usage might include: - The study found that regular exercise can improve overall health and wellness. Per contra, not exercising can lead to a higher risk of chronic diseases. - Some may argue that technology has made our lives easier, but per contra, it has also created new forms of addiction and isolation. - Per contra, critics argue that the proposed policy would have negative effects on the economy and job market.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Per contra, Thatcher's denouncing "the enemy within", invoking laws against union representation at GCHQ and ordering a three-line whip to fight Richard Shepherd's private member's bill on the Official Secrets Act were irrational.

The Guardian

Per contra, however, "Sullivan's Travels," "What Price Hollywood?" (remade, of course, as "A Star Is Born"), "The Bad and the Beautiful," etc. -- in fact, one might apply the maxim IN TIME OF PEACE PREPARE FOR WAR, IN TIME OF WAR... and translate the Received Wisdom: ABOUT TIME FOR ANOTHER MOVIE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD.

The New York Times

Per contra, 'intelligent' monads actively seek self-realization.

SEP

Per contra, in the eastern, formerly socialist, part the whole sector of home building was fundamentally restructured in the mid-1990s afthe the German reunification.

Geothermal Energy

The mission statement in the museum's foyer, per contra, speaks more simply of getting people excited about design.

The Guardian - Books

Per contra, an indirect tax rise increases the cost of existing consumption, causing individuals to reduce their purchases of the now more expensive goods and services, thus narrowing the indirect tax base.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In Phillipson's reading, the theory is not so much an ethics as a theory of polite sociability, contra Rousseau and also Hobbes, and per Hume, in which imagination plays the starring ethical role.

The Guardian - Books

"verbum probabile": "Probabile dupliciter dicitur, primo ut est quid divisum contra occultum, et est illud, quod per testes probari potest … "; translation Franklin (2001, 71).

SEP

I make a distinction here of the plains, because Munda speakers in all likelihood did migrate in from the northeast, but with a preference of hill habitats (as per Fuller 2003; Harvey et al. 2006; and contra Fuller 2007; Donegan and Stampe 2004 hypothesis on Austroastiatic origins).

Rice

There was a very significant correlation (rs = 0.92 and p = < 0.0001) when the TN-C levels in these samples (n = 40; fluids from left contra lateral and right surgery knees of 5 animals per time point) were correlated to ARG-aggrecan levels.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Contra Costa has 42.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "per contra" in formal writing where you want to introduce a direct contrast to a previously stated point. Ensure the context warrants such a formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "per contra" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound pretentious or out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "however" or "on the other hand" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "per contra" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate a contrasting point. It is used to introduce a statement that presents an opposing viewpoint or evidence, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "per contra" is a formal adverbial phrase used to introduce a contrasting statement or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and functions to present an opposing viewpoint, typically in academic, scientific, or legal writing. While effective in formal contexts, it should be avoided in informal settings where simpler alternatives are more appropriate. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and scientific journals, emphasizing its role in presenting counter-arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the contrary

This phrase directly expresses the opposite of a previous statement.

conversely

Indicates a reversal or opposition in the preceding idea.

in contrast

Highlights the differences between two things.

by contrast

Similar to "in contrast", emphasizing the opposition.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting point of view or aspect.

however

A simple conjunction indicating a contrasting statement.

nevertheless

Suggests that despite a previous statement, the following one is still true.

notwithstanding

Similar to "nevertheless", indicating something holds true despite something else.

in opposition

Emphasizes a direct conflict or contrast.

quite the opposite

Directly negates a previous statement.

FAQs

How to use "per contra" in a sentence?

Use "per contra" to introduce a statement that contrasts with or opposes a previous one. For example, "The evidence suggests X; "on the contrary", Y."

What can I say instead of "per contra"?

You can use alternatives like "on the contrary", "conversely", or "however" depending on the context.

Is "per contra" formal or informal?

"Per contra" is considered a formal expression, typically used in legal or academic writing. It is not appropriate for informal contexts.

What is the difference between "per contra" and "on the other hand"?

"Per contra" is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "on the other hand". While both introduce a contrasting point, "per contra" is less common in everyday language.