this is contrary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is contrary to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that something goes against a particular idea or belief. For example, "This is contrary to our usual policy of not hiring people under 21."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is contrary to my experience.

The New York Times

This is contrary to the tradition of our country.

The New York Times

This is contrary to good practice and good sense.

The Guardian - Opinion

We believe this is contrary to European law".

The Guardian

However, the report concluded: "This is contrary to our findings".

The Guardian

This is contrary to what usually happens after a recession.

The New York Times

"This is contrary to what many assume," Dr. Cohen said.

The New York Times - Health

This is contrary to the team ethos that exists in hospitals and misleading to the public.

The Guardian

This is contrary to the vision of a democratic and open city".

The Guardian

"This is contrary to all the agreements signed between the sides," Mr. Steinitz told Israel Radio.

The New York Times

This is contrary to fair trial procedures – no one should be judge in their own cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is contrary to", ensure that the statement you are contrasting it with is clear and well-established for the reader. This will enhance the impact and clarity of your argument.

Common error

While "this is contrary to" is acceptable in formal writing, overuse can make your text sound stiff. Consider using synonyms like "this contradicts" or "this opposes" to vary your language and maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is contrary to" functions as a connector or transitional phrase. It serves to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts a previous statement, expectation, or established fact. According to Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is contrary to" is a versatile phrase used to introduce statements that contradict or oppose a previously mentioned idea or fact. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. Its frequent use in scientific, news, and formal business contexts indicates a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional and academic writing. While useful, it's important to consider alternatives such as "this contradicts" to avoid overuse and maintain a natural tone. Remember to clearly establish the statement being contrasted to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this contradicts

This alternative is more direct, omitting the introductory "is" and replacing "contrary to" with the single verb "contradicts".

this is at odds with

This alternative implies a conflict or incompatibility, suggesting a stronger disagreement than a simple contradiction.

this opposes

A more concise alternative, replacing "is contrary to" with the single word "opposes".

this runs counter to

This alternative suggests a deviation from a norm or expectation, implying a sense of unexpected opposition.

this clashes with

This implies a strong disagreement or incompatibility, often used when discussing conflicting ideas or opinions.

this is in opposition to

This alternative emphasizes the act of opposing and highlights a stance against something.

this negates

This alternative is stronger and more absolute, suggesting that something is made invalid or ineffective.

this flies in the face of

This idiom suggests a bold contradiction or defiance of something commonly accepted or respected.

this confounds

This suggests that something contradicts expectations to the point of causing confusion or surprise.

this belies

This indicates that something contradicts or misrepresents an underlying truth or reality.

FAQs

How can I use "this is contrary to" in a sentence?

You can use "this is contrary to" to introduce a statement that opposes a previously mentioned idea, belief, or finding. For example, "This is contrary to the widely held belief that exercise always leads to weight loss."

What are some alternatives to "this is contrary to"?

You can use alternatives like "this contradicts", "this is at odds with", or "this opposes" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this is contrary to" formal or informal?

"This is contrary to" is generally considered formal but acceptable in most writing contexts. However, you might choose a less formal alternative like "this goes against" in more casual settings.

What's the difference between "this is contrary to" and "this is opposed to"?

While both phrases express opposition, "this is contrary to" implies a contradiction or inconsistency, while "this is opposed to" suggests a direct stance against something. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize contradiction or active resistance.