running counter to

USAGE SUMMARY

"running counter to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be in opposition or contradiction to something or someone. Example: Her actions were running counter to her words, causing confusion among her colleagues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Water Valley's stories are running counter to the national narrative.

The New York Times

But London is, in fact, running counter to an unmistakable trend.

The New York Times - Sports

But, running counter to that, I also felt a rush of indignation.

The Guardian - Music

Economic development has sometimes been seen as running counter to environmental well-being.

The Guardian

We think of these issues as entirely separate from economic concerns and sometimes as even running counter to them.

The New York Times

Running counter to the romantic themes above, much of the blogging process seems to be a therapeutic outpouring of grief.

The Guardian - Books

Running counter to such fine notions, said the carmaker's boss, Sergio Marchionne, earlier this year, is Fiat's need to make decisions "rationally".

The Economist

He was reelected later that year, though his victory was viewed as running counter to a political trend toward conservatism in Canada at the time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Benguela Current, as it swings westward, forms the South Equatorial Current to the south of, and running counter to, the Guinea Current.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Dancing With the Stars," in its 10th season, set ratings records for ABC this spring, running counter to the declines that most older shows experience.

The New York Times - Arts

Pius was content in reply to point out that on these two points he was running counter to authoritative pronouncements of Pius VI and Gregory XVI.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running counter to" to clearly indicate that an action, idea, or trend opposes a prevailing norm, expectation, or established pattern. This phrase is effective for highlighting deviations and contrasts.

Common error

Avoid using "running counter to" when simply describing a difference without the element of opposition or contradiction. The phrase implies more than just dissimilarity; it suggests an active divergence or resistance.

Linguistic Context

"Running counter to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, noun, or clause. It indicates that something is in opposition or contradiction to something else. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "running counter to" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate opposition or contradiction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, signaling a neutral register. Use this phrase to effectively highlight deviations from expected norms or trends. Remember that it implies an active divergence rather than simple dissimilarity. Its many real-world examples from Ludwig provide a valuable resource for understanding its usage and nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradicting

This term directly implies a state of opposition or disagreement, focusing on the act of contradicting something else.

opposing

This term emphasizes a direct conflict or resistance against something.

at odds with

This phrase suggests a state of disagreement or conflict, often used when two things should be in harmony but are not.

in opposition to

This phrase explicitly states that something is against or resisting something else.

defying

This term suggests a bold resistance or disobedience to a rule, expectation, or norm.

in contrast to

This phrase highlights a difference or dissimilarity between two things, often to emphasize their opposing nature.

clashing with

This suggests a conflict or incompatibility, often used when two things cannot coexist harmoniously.

acting against

This phrase indicates taking action that opposes or hinders something else.

at variance with

This implies a lack of agreement or consistency, often used in more formal contexts.

diverging from

This suggests a departure from a common path or direction, indicating a difference in opinion or action.

FAQs

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

Use "running counter to" to indicate that something opposes or contradicts a prevailing trend, belief, or action. For instance: "His decision to invest in fossil fuels was "running counter to" the global movement towards sustainable energy".

What are some alternatives to "running counter to"?

You can use alternatives like "opposing", "contradicting", or "at odds with" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "runs counter to" or "running counter to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the sentence structure. "Runs counter to" is used when the subject is performing the action, while "running counter to" functions as part of a continuous action or description.

How does "running counter to" differ from simply "different from"?

"Running counter to" implies an active opposition or contradiction, suggesting more than just a difference. It suggests a force acting against a prevailing norm or trend, while "different from" simply indicates a dissimilarity without the element of opposition.