run contrary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run contrary to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe two ideas, feelings, or beliefs that oppose each other. For example, "The wealthy should not be taxed at a higher rate than the middle class; such a policy would run contrary to fairness and economic justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

This would run contrary to regulators' wishes.

The New York Times

Our results run contrary to the prevailing wisdom.

The New York Times

But these arguments run contrary to the data.

The Guardian - Opinion

Portman and Kasich, whose races are seen as tossups, run contrary to that assumption.

The Washington Post

The arguments seem to run contrary to long-standing beliefs about homeownership.

The New York Times

They should not pursue policies which run contrary to UK foreign policy".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

This absolutely runs contrary to that purpose".

The New York Times

This runs contrary to basic notions of democracy.

Independent

But matters are running contrary to this desire.

The New York Times

The message runs contrary to everything romcoms tell us.

The Guardian - Film

The device runs contrary to experience, wouldn't you say?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run contrary to", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "This runs contrary to expectations", specify "This policy runs contrary to the expectations of most voters".

Common error

Avoid using "run contrary to" in overly passive constructions that obscure the active subject. Instead of saying "It is run contrary to by many", prefer "Many people find that it "runs contrary to" their beliefs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run contrary to" functions as a predicate in a sentence, typically indicating that one thing opposes, contradicts, or is inconsistent with another. This can be seen in Ludwig's examples, such as "Our results "run contrary to" the prevailing wisdom."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run contrary to" is a common and versatile way to express opposition or contradiction, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While there are several alternative phrases available, such as "conflict with" or "contradict", "run contrary to" provides a balanced and neutral tone suitable for a wide range of writing purposes. Pay attention to potential misuses in passive constructions to ensure clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflict with

This alternative suggests a direct clash or incompatibility.

contradict

This alternative implies a direct opposition, often in terms of statements or evidence.

be at odds with

This alternative indicates a state of disagreement or disharmony.

go against

This alternative implies a violation or disregard of a rule, principle, or expectation.

clash with

This alternative conveys a sense of direct conflict or opposition.

diverge from

This alternative suggests a departure or deviation from a standard or norm.

be inconsistent with

This alternative indicates a lack of agreement or coherence.

militate against

This alternative indicates that something works against or hinders something else.

counter to

This alternative is a slightly more concise way of saying something opposes another thing.

be in opposition to

This alternative signifies a formal or stated resistance.

FAQs

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

Use "run contrary to" to indicate that something opposes or contradicts something else. For example, "The new evidence "runs contrary to" our initial hypothesis".

What's a more formal way to say "run contrary to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "be in opposition to" or "conflict with". These options convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated level of formality.

What is the difference between "run contrary to" and "run counter to"?

The phrases "run contrary to" and "run counter to" are often used interchangeably, but "run counter to" may imply a slightly more active resistance or opposition, while "run contrary to" simply indicates disagreement or inconsistency.

Is it better to use "run contrary to" or "contradict"?

"Contradict" implies a direct and explicit opposition, often between statements or pieces of evidence. "Run contrary to" can also suggest opposition, but it can also mean simply disagreeing with or being inconsistent with something else. The better option depends on the specific context.