On the contrary means the opposite is true. It rejects what has just been said and states that the reverse is the case: The film wasn't boring. On the contrary, it was gripping. To compare two different facts, you need a different linker, in contrast.
How would you use on the contrary?
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negative statement. On the contrary, + what is really true; negative clause; on the contrary, + clause; reply: On the contrary, + opposite view
- The new rules didn't reduce traffic. On the contrary, the queues got even longer.
- 'Was the flight tiring?' 'On the contrary, I slept the whole way and felt great.'
- Remote work has not made our team less productive; on the contrary, we finish projects faster.
What changed
First versionRent in Moscow is very high. On the contrary, in Kazan it is much lower.
RevisionRent in Moscow is very high. In contrast, in Kazan it is much lower.
On the contrary is often used for any kind of contrast between two ideas. But this sentence doesn't deny anything: it compares rent in two cities. To compare two different facts, use in contrast.
On the contrary is also confused with on the other hand. On the other hand doesn't deny anything; it adds another side: The job is stressful. On the other hand, it pays well. On the contrary in that position would mean the job is not stressful at all.
Your turn
Our sales did not fall after the price increase. ___, they rose by ten per cent.
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On the contrary — The first sentence denies that sales fell, and the second states the opposite: they rose. This rejects what was said, so On the contrary is right. In contrast would compare two different facts, for example sales in two shops.
Think of a common opinion about your job or studies that you disagree with. Reject it in a sentence with not, and after on the contrary, say what is really true.
Working as an accountant is not boring. On the contrary, every client brings a new puzzle to solve.
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