run counter to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run counter to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an opposite action, idea, or belief. For example, you could say, "His views ran counter to those of the majority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His programs run counter to that pledge.

The New York Times

But this case does not run counter to that principle.

Cornell University

Doesn't his boisterous fiction run counter to that approach?

The New Yorker

There are magazines that run counter to the trend.

The New York Times

Does it run counter to what the person usually says?

Harvard Business Review

Doesn't that run counter to the decentralized ideals of Ethereum?

MIT Technology Review

Your actions, however, actually run counter to that goal.

Harvard Business Review

But it may run counter to consumer expectations.

The New York Times

But other findings run counter to the conventional wisdom.

The New York Times

All run counter to the desired luxury-hauler experience.

The New York Times

However, for particular cases of K and P, the results run counter to analytical intuition.

Foundations of Genetic Algorithms 6

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run counter to" when you want to express that something opposes, contradicts, or goes against an established norm, expectation, or belief. This phrase adds a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "run counter to" when a simple disagreement or difference of opinion is meant. It's more appropriate when there's a fundamental opposition or contradiction involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run counter to" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject opposes or contradicts something. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts, affirming its role in expressing opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run counter to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate opposition, contradiction, or divergence from an established norm or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, supported by numerous examples across various reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist. While suitable for formal writing, its neutral register makes it accessible for a wide range of contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are expressing a genuine contradiction, not just a minor difference of opinion, to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be contrary to

Expresses direct opposition or inconsistency.

contradict

Directly opposes or negates a statement or action.

go against

Implies a form of opposition or disagreement.

conflict with

Suggests incompatibility or clash between two things.

clash with

Similar to 'conflict with', indicating a strong disagreement.

be at odds with

Describes a state of disagreement or opposition.

deviate from

Straying from an established course or norm.

fly in the face of

Directly contradicts or opposes something that is widely accepted.

stand in opposition to

Explicitly declares a position of resistance or disagreement.

militate against

Works against or reduces the effect of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "run counter to" to show opposition or contradiction. For example, "The new policy "runs counter to" the company's core values."

What's a simple way to rephrase "run counter to"?

Alternatives include "go against", "contradict", or "conflict with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "run counter to" differ from "be contrary to"?

"Run counter to" implies more of an active opposition or divergence, while "be contrary to" suggests a state of being opposite. Although quite similar they are suitable in slightly different situations. In many cases, "be contrary to" can be replaced by "run counter to".

Is it always appropriate to use "run counter to" in formal writing?

Yes, "run counter to" is suitable for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and widely used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a simpler alternative might be more effective.