to assert otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to assert otherwise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that someone is claiming a different opinion or fact than what has been stated. Example: "The evidence presented clearly supports our conclusion, and any attempt to assert otherwise would be unfounded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

To assert otherwise is simply incorrect".

The New York Times

To assert otherwise is to create the wrong impression.

The New York Times

To assert otherwise is a bit modern, too.

The Guardian

The result was a tie as far as anyone can tell; to assert otherwise is what psychologists call denial.

The New York Times

The memorandum "does not, and was not, intended to expand or diminish any authority or function, and to assert otherwise would be wrong," the statement said.

The New York Times

To assert otherwise is a type of daylight robbery that knocks the humanity of all women, and indeed men, down by at least a notch.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Census Bureau's statisticians assert otherwise.

The Economist

(Those who assert otherwise are most likely selling something).

The New Yorker

"I've had a lot of people assert otherwise.

Vice

I, for one, take great offense when people outside this area assert otherwise.

Huffington Post

But according to (1), x and y are not the same Gs; hence, according to (3), it is not the case that x and y are the same F; yet (1) asserts otherwise.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be aware that this is a relatively formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. Use it when a clear, slightly emphatic, disagreement is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "to assert otherwise" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to say the opposite" or "to disagree".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to assert otherwise" functions as an infinitive phrase that introduces a contrasting claim or viewpoint. It's used to signal disagreement or correction of a preceding statement. Ludwig provides many examples across news and media sources, highlighting its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to assert otherwise" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for indicating disagreement or presenting an alternative viewpoint, as confirmed by Ludwig. While relatively formal, it is commonly found in news media and academic writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing, avoiding overuse in casual contexts. Remember that it's crucial to ensure your assertion is well-supported with evidence or logical reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to claim the opposite

Focuses on stating a directly opposing viewpoint.

to argue the contrary

Emphasizes presenting arguments against a stated position.

to maintain a different view

Highlights holding a differing opinion or belief.

to contend the reverse

Suggests arguing that the opposite is true.

to profess disagreement

Highlights the act of openly stating one's differing opinion.

to state differently

A general way of saying that something is expressed in an alternative manner.

to take exception

Implies objecting to something previously stated or done.

to refute that claim

Focuses on disproving or debunking a particular assertion.

to counter that assertion

Emphasizes responding to and opposing a specific claim.

to dispute that fact

Highlights challenging the validity of a stated fact.

FAQs

What does "to assert otherwise" mean?

The phrase "to assert otherwise" means to state or claim something different from what has already been said. It's a way of expressing disagreement or offering an alternative perspective.

When is it appropriate to use "to assert otherwise"?

It is appropriate in formal writing, academic discussions, or professional settings where you need to express disagreement or offer a different viewpoint in a clear and somewhat emphatic manner.

What are some alternatives to "to assert otherwise"?

You can use alternatives like "to claim the opposite", "to argue the contrary", or "to state differently" depending on the context.

Is "to assert otherwise" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered formal and is best suited for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. Using it in casual conversations may sound out of place.