runs counter to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "runs counter to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when something is opposite to an expectation or something is not in agreement with something else. For example: "Her actions ran counter to the company's policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It runs counter to human nature.

The New York Times

This runs counter to conventional wisdom.

Journal of Public Economics

Fighting runs counter to his religious beliefs.

The New York Times - Sports

This perhaps runs counter to many expectations.

The Washington Post

But the U.S. runs counter to this.

The New York Times - Magazine

It runs counter to natural law.

The Guardian - Tech

It runs counter to the party's anti-tax obsessions.

The New York Times

Free agency, by definition, runs counter to that.

The New York Times - Sports

Legalization also runs counter to the Democrats' commitment to education.

The New York Times

"That runs counter to what superhero movies normally do.

The New York Times - Magazine

But this runs counter to what book-lovers want.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, explicitly state what the subject "runs counter to". For example, instead of saying "This runs counter to...", clarify with "This runs counter to established company policy."

Common error

Avoid using "runs counter to" interchangeably with phrases that imply a weaker form of disagreement or difference. "Differs from" or "varies from" suggest a simple distinction, while "runs counter to" indicates a direct opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "runs counter to" functions as a verb phrase indicating opposition or contradiction. It's used to show that something goes against or is in conflict with something else. Ludwig AI provides examples where it expresses disagreement with established norms or expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "runs counter to" is a versatile phrase used to express opposition or contradiction, verified by Ludwig AI as grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "contradicts" or "opposes" can be used, "runs counter to" provides a nuanced way to highlight the conflict between two ideas or actions. Remember to clearly specify what the subject is opposing for better clarity and avoid using it in situations that only require expressing simple differences. According to Ludwig, this phrase has common use among diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is contrary to

A more formal way of expressing opposition or contradiction.

contradicts

This is a more direct and concise way of saying something opposes something else.

opposes

This alternative focuses on the act of being against something.

clashes with

Implies a more forceful disagreement or conflict.

is at odds with

Highlights the incompatibility or disagreement between two things.

is in conflict with

Emphasizes a state of opposition or struggle.

is in opposition to

This alternative emphasizes the state of being directly against something.

defies

Implies a bold or open resistance to something.

invalidates

Focuses on negating the validity or effect of something else.

belies

Suggests that something contradicts or misrepresents the truth or appearance of something else.

FAQs

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

Use "runs counter to" to indicate that something opposes or contradicts something else. For example: "This decision "is contrary to" the company's stated goals."

What's a simpler way to express "runs counter to"?

You can use phrases like "contradicts", "opposes", or "clashes with" as simpler alternatives to "runs counter to."

Is it better to use "runs contrary to" or "runs counter to"?

"Runs contrary to" and "runs counter to" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate opposition or contradiction, but "runs counter to" is slightly more common in modern usage.

What's the difference between "runs counter to" and "differs from"?

"Runs counter to" implies a direct opposition or contradiction, whereas "differs from" simply suggests a distinction or variation without necessarily indicating conflict. For instance, the statement "His view "differs from" mine" only suggests differences, but "His view runs counter to mine" suggests opposition.