point to the contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point to the contrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate evidence or arguments that contradict a previously stated point or position. Example: "While many believe that the new policy will improve productivity, there are several studies that point to the contrary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

All signs point to the contrary.

The Guardian

Welcome to Fox News Channel, where if you shout enough, people will eventually think you're making sense, even if all other signs point to the contrary!

The Guardian - Opinion

However, of the 48 nuclear polymorphic loci tested, 40 gave results that indicate the nuclear identity of NT-1 cells and donor B cells while eight gave results that point to the contrary.

The New York Times - Science

The idea that community trust is more valuable to a police department than "toughness" — really a Trumpian euphemism for brutality — might seem quaint, but Chicago's experience would point to the contrary.

The New Yorker

The idea that community trust is more valuable to a police department than "toughness"—really a Trumpian euphemism for brutality might seem quaint, but Chicago's experience would point to the contrary.

The New Yorker

Notwithstanding Ms. Rudolph's point to the contrary, it was indeed their murder, in the defense of segregation, that kept the brutal truths of Jim Crow before the public, certainly as long as the killers went free.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But data points to the contrary.

The Guardian

Yet all the evidence points to the contrary.

The New York Times

The accounting industry insists it can regulate itself, but the evidence points to the contrary.

The New York Times

At the moment, there's a lot of things pointing to the contrary," Gladwell said.

The Guardian

As to the notion that such policies will disenfranchise students with financial need, evidence points to the contrary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "point to the contrary", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being contradicted. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "point to the contrary" when the evidence only suggests a slight difference rather than a direct opposition. Using it in such cases can overstate your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point to the contrary" functions as a transitional phrase used to introduce evidence or arguments that contradict a previous statement or belief. It signals a shift in perspective and is commonly used in analytical and argumentative writing. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "point to the contrary" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce contradicting evidence or arguments. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While not extremely frequent, it serves a valuable function in analytical and argumentative writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being contradicted and avoid overstating the strength of the opposition. Alternatives such as "suggest the opposite" or "indicate otherwise" may be suitable depending on the specific context. The phrase can be considered correct and useful in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggest the opposite

Replaces "point" with "suggest", focusing on implication rather than direct indication.

indicate otherwise

Uses "indicate" instead of "point", offering a more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

argue against that

Emphasizes a direct disagreement, replacing "point to" with "argue against".

contradict this

A more concise way to express disagreement, replacing the entire phrase with a single verb.

offer a counterargument

Highlights the offering of an opposing argument, suitable for formal contexts.

provide conflicting evidence

Focuses on the evidence aspect, suggesting that the evidence is in opposition.

disprove that

Suggests a stronger level of refutation, implying that something has been proven false.

show the reverse

Simple substitution of "contrary" with "reverse" maintaining nearly the same semantic.

present a different perspective

Focuses on alternative viewpoints rather than direct contradiction

imply a different result

Focuses on the potential for varying outcomes and does not need necessarily mean opposition

FAQs

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

You can use "point to the contrary" to introduce evidence or arguments that disagree with a previously mentioned idea. For example, "While many believe that remote work boosts productivity, some studies "point to the contrary"".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "suggest the opposite", "indicate otherwise", or "contradict this", depending on the desired level of formality and directness.

Is it better to say "point to the contrary" or "points to the contrary"?

The correct form depends on the subject. If the subject is singular, use "points to the contrary". If the subject is plural, use "point to the contrary". For example, "The evidence points to the contrary" versus "These findings point to the contrary".

How does "point to the contrary" differ from "argue against"?

"Point to the contrary" suggests that evidence subtly indicates a different outcome, while "argue against that" implies a more direct and forceful disagreement.