Is the sentence after "contrary" right?

Question

Contrary means opposite, right?Contrary to the belief that elephants have got seven trunks, Billy thinks that elephants have got only one trunk which have been substantiated scientifically.

Clive · Accepted Answer

CalifJim · Answer

mosjaContrary means opposite, right?

That's the first definition in the Oxford dictionary, so I'd say so.

Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.

mosjaContrary to the belief that elephants have got seven trunks, Billy thinks that elephants have got only one trunk, which has ~~have~~ been substantiated scientifically.

At a minimum, I'd change it as shown above. It's still not perfect, though. Contrary to the belief ..., Billy thinks doesn't quite say it correctly.

It's better if you compare belief to belief (nouns) or think to think (verbs).

Contrary to the belief that elephants have got seven trunks, the belief that they have only one trunk has been substantiated scientifically. (You have to leave out Billy or put him in another sentence if you do this.)

Contrary to thinking that elephants have got seven trunks, Billy thinks that they have only one trunk, which has been substantiated scientifically. (But in this sentence, 'Contrary to' doesn't sound as good as 'Instead of'.)

CJ

Is the sentence after "contrary" right?

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