the contrary is true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the contrary is true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the opposite of what has been stated is actually the case. Example: "While many believe that hard work guarantees success, the contrary is true; sometimes, luck plays a significant role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The contrary is true.

The Guardian - Opinion

The contrary is true at high frequencies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I believe the contrary is true.

The Economist

Indeed, the contrary is true.

The New Yorker

But according to industry experts, the contrary is true.

The New York Times - Style

In fact, I think the contrary is true," Netanyahu said on Sunday.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The study found that girls' interest in mathematics decreases as their fathers' gender stereotypes increase, whereas the contrary was true for boys.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Hay DM, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake were higher (P < 0.001) in the non-supplemented than in the supplemented goats, however, the contrary was true for total CP intake.

Livestock Science

The contrary was true for the statements which obtained the highest scores.

Health Research Policy and Systems

The contrary was true, however, when consultation rates were used as population health needs adjustment.

Human Resources for Health

According to an interaction model, patients with fast recovery had more perilesional than subcortical expansion, whereas the contrary was true for patients with impaired recovery.

Brain Structure and Function

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the contrary is true" to effectively negate a preceding statement and introduce the correct perspective. It adds emphasis and clarity when the actual situation is the opposite of what might be expected.

Common error

Avoid using "the contrary is true" when the context is not clearly established. Ensure there is a preceding statement or assumption that the phrase directly negates to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the contrary is true" functions as a discourse marker used to introduce a statement that contradicts or negates a preceding claim. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is used to express disagreement or to correct a misconception by asserting the opposite view.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the contrary is true" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to negate a previous statement and introduce an opposing viewpoint. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content. It effectively corrects misconceptions and provides a clearer understanding of the actual situation. While the related phrases such as "the opposite is true" and "the reverse is the case" offer similar meanings, using "the contrary is true" adds a specific emphasis on the contrasting nature of the information presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the opposite is true

This alternative uses a more direct synonym for "contrary", maintaining the same structure and meaning.

in fact, the opposite is true

Uses "in fact" to reinforce the truth of the contrary statement, adding a layer of factual assertion.

the reverse is the case

This phrase uses "reverse" to convey the opposite situation, changing the structure slightly while keeping the core meaning intact.

quite the opposite is the case

Adds emphasis with "quite", highlighting the significant difference in the actual situation.

the truth is quite the contrary

Replaces "opposite" with "truth" for a more emphatic correction.

actually, it's the opposite

Introduces a conversational tone with "actually", suggesting a correction or clarification.

the situation is actually reversed

Focuses on the "situation" being reversed, highlighting the change in circumstances.

the reality is quite different

Shifts the focus to "reality" to emphasize the divergence from the initial statement.

what's actually true is the opposite

Rearranges the sentence to emphasize the actual truth, using a more descriptive structure.

it's the other way around

This is a more informal, idiomatic expression meaning the same thing.

FAQs

What does "the contrary is true" mean?

The phrase "the contrary is true" means that the opposite of what has just been stated is actually correct or valid. It's used to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or fact.

How can I use "the contrary is true" in a sentence?

You can use "the contrary is true" to negate a previous statement and introduce a correction. For example, "Many believe that success is solely based on talent; however, "the contrary is true"; hard work and dedication are also crucial."

What are some alternatives to saying "the contrary is true"?

Alternatives include "the opposite is true", "the reverse is the case", or "in fact, the opposite is true" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the contrary is true"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both formal and informal writing.