points to the contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

'points to the contrary' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You use it when something is contrary to what is known or expected. For example: "While there is a general consensus on the issue, recent studies have pointed to the contrary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 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

But to suggest that H.I.V. doesn't cause AIDS when all the evidence points to the contrary verges on being irresponsible.

The New York Times - Science

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

The New York Times

"I would love, love, love to believe they're still out there, but unfortunately I think all of the evidence points to the contrary on that front".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

All signs point to the contrary.

The Guardian

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

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

"I think it was a little premature for Commerce on their conference call to try to present the message that there would be no further investigation," when the July 19 filing by the United States attorney "seems to point to the contrary".

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "points to the contrary", ensure the context clearly establishes what the prevailing idea or assumption is, to provide a clear contrast.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "points to the contrary" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "suggests otherwise" or "indicates the opposite" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "points to the contrary" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce evidence or arguments that contradict a previous statement, belief, or expectation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a divergence from what is generally assumed or understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "points to the contrary" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate that evidence or logic contradicts a prior statement or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to introduce an opposing viewpoint in various contexts, with a higher prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. While versatile, it's advisable to consider simpler alternatives in informal conversations to avoid sounding overly formal. Related phrases include "suggests otherwise" and "indicates the opposite", offering more concise options. Be mindful of the register and ensure the context clearly establishes the prior idea you are contradicting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the evidence suggests the opposite

This alternative specifies the evidence as the reason for a contrary viewpoint.

suggests otherwise

This alternative is more concise and emphasizes a differing opinion or indication.

indicates the opposite

This alternative directly states that something shows the reverse of what is expected.

data contradicts this

This alternative is more specific when data or evidence is contradictory.

implies a different conclusion

This alternative highlights that something leads to a differing inference.

belies the claim

This alternative suggests that something contradicts or proves a claim to be false.

counters the argument

This alternative indicates a direct opposition or rebuttal to a specific argument.

runs counter to

This alternative emphasizes the opposition against something.

is at odds with

This alternative shows a conflict or disagreement with a previous statement or situation.

the reality is different

This alternative shifts focus to reality presenting a contrast.

FAQs

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

Use "points to the contrary" to indicate that evidence or logic contradicts a prior statement or common belief. For instance, "While many believe X, the evidence "points to the contrary"."

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

You can use alternatives like "suggests otherwise", "indicates the opposite", or "the evidence suggests the opposite" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "points to the contrary" or "suggests otherwise"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "points to the contrary" is more formal and emphasizes a direct contradiction supported by evidence. "Suggests otherwise" is more general and less emphatic.

How does "points to the contrary" differ from "runs counter to"?

"Points to the contrary" usually refers to evidence or indications that disagree with a prior statement. "Runs counter to" describes something actively opposing or conflicting with something else, not necessarily based on direct evidence.