Learning a new language can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding idiomatic expressions and lexical chunks. One such expression is "on the contrary," which is commonly used in English. In this article, we will discuss what "on the contrary" means, how to use it in a sentence, and provide examples of its usage.
What does "On the contrary" mean?
"On the contrary" is an idiomatic expression used to express a contrasting or opposing idea. It is often used to contradict a previous statement or idea. In simpler terms, "on the contrary" means "the opposite is true" or "contrary to what was previously stated."
When using "on the contrary" in a sentence, it is important to use it correctly to convey the intended meaning. Generally, it is used to contradict or disagree with a statement that has just been made. The phrase is often placed at the beginning of the sentence to emphasise the contrast.
Here are a few examples of how "on the contrary" can be used in a sentence:
- She thought that her presentation went poorly, but on the contrary , her colleagues were impressed by her thorough research and preparation.
- Many people believe that the internet is causing people to become less social, but on the contrary , social media has connected people from all over the world.
- Some people believe that studying for long hours is the best way to pass exams, but on the contrary , research shows that shorter, more focused study sessions are more effective.
In conclusion, "on the contrary" is a commonly used idiomatic expression in English that is used to express contrasting or opposing ideas. It is important to use it correctly in a sentence to convey the intended meaning. By incorporating this lexical chunk into your vocabulary, you can effectively express differing opinions and contradict previously stated ideas.