quite the contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite the contrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is the opposite of what has been stated or implied. Example: "Some may think that the project was a failure; quite the contrary, it exceeded all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Quite the Contrary.

The New York Times

Indeed, quite the contrary.

The New Yorker

No. Quite the contrary.

The New Yorker

A. Quite the contrary.

The New York Times

It's quite the contrary.

The New York Times

It's actually quite the contrary, actually.

Forbes

No, quite the contrary actually.

Forbes

Hickson: No, quite the contrary.

TechCrunch

A: Quite the contrary.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Quite to the contrary.

The New York Times

That is not arbitrary quite the contrary.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite the contrary" to politely and firmly express disagreement or to correct a misconception. It's particularly effective in formal writing or discussions where a direct contradiction might seem too harsh.

Common error

While "quite the contrary" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "actually" or "no, that's not right" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite the contrary" functions as a discourse marker or conjunctive adverb. It serves to introduce a statement that contradicts or reverses a previously made statement or assumption. Ludwig AI confirms the appropriateness of this phrase, providing numerous examples of its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite the contrary" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express disagreement or contradiction, confirmed by Ludwig AI. It frequently appears in news and academic contexts, indicating a formal or neutral register. While effective in formal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual conversation. Its purpose is to introduce a statement that directly opposes a previous claim, offering a clear and emphatic correction. It's commonly found in sources like The New York Times, Forbes, and academic publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the contrary

This is a more common and direct way to express the opposite of what was stated.

just the opposite

Emphasizes that the true situation is the direct reverse of what was suggested.

in fact

Introduces a statement that is the opposite of, and stronger than, a previous one.

actually

Indicates a reality that differs from what might be expected or assumed.

quite the opposite is true

A more explicit and emphatic way to state the contrary.

far from it

Denies a previous statement and implies the opposite is true.

if anything

Suggests that the opposite is more likely or accurate.

not at all

Expresses strong disagreement or denial.

that's not the case

States that the preceding statement is incorrect or untrue.

it's the other way around

Indicates a reversal of the situation or roles described.

FAQs

How can I use "quite the contrary" in a sentence?

Use "quite the contrary" to politely disagree with a statement or correct a misunderstanding. For example, "Some believe the project failed; "quite the contrary", it was a resounding success."

What's a more informal alternative to "quite the contrary"?

In casual settings, consider using phrases like "actually", "no way", or "just the opposite" instead of ""quite the contrary"".

Is "quite the contrary" the same as "on the contrary"?

While similar, ""quite the contrary"" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger emphasis. Both phrases introduce a statement that contradicts a previous one, but "on the contrary" is generally more common.

Can "quite the contrary" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, ""quite the contrary"" can start a sentence to directly refute a previous claim. For example, "It's often thought that this approach is ineffective. Quite the contrary, it has yielded remarkable results."