Eli5 the difference between “on the contrary” vs “to the contrary” and if you can really dumb it down that would be great. If it is possible for an example I would really appreciate it. Thank you

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Eli5 the difference between “on the contrary” vs “to the contrary” and if you can really dumb it down that would be great. If it is possible for an example I would really appreciate it. Thank you

In: Other

3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

When you say “on the contrary” you are denying something is true:

>”The ball is red.”

>”On the contrary, the ball is green.”

When you say “to the contrary” you are stating the opposite, but not denying anything:

>”Yesterday the park was open but today, to the contrary, it is closed.”

Nothing is being denied as true in that sentence, it’s just pointing out that things are opposite.

Anonymous 0 Comments

~~”on the contrary” is used when you are introducing an opposing opinion. “to the contrary” is used when you are refuting an existing opinion.~~

“on the contrary” is used when you are refuting an existing opinion. “to the contrary” is used when you are introducing an opposing opinion. Thanks, u/dsl101 for making me realize.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Ha! The two explanations here are contradictory. I don’t have a clue what the answer is though.