on the contrary/to the contrary

Question

Susan has not had a date for a long time. To the contrary, I've seen her walking down Bee street hand in hand with a boy.

The district attorney has accused them rapists. On the contrary, all the evidence has showed otherwise.

Are they OK?

Thank you

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Susan says that she has not had a date for a long time. To the contrary, I've seen her walking down Bee street hand in hand with a boy. You can't state it as a fact and then disagree with it. I think I'd tend to say 'on' here', as I'm denying the truth of this.

The district attorney has accused them of being rapists. On the contrary, all the evidence has showed otherwise. Sounds OK.

Often, and even in your examples, it can be tricky to decide whether to use 'to' or 'on' Here are a few comments.

'The contrary' means 'the opposite'.

On the contrary is usually used when contradicting (denying the truth of something).

eg A: Do you like Coke? B: On the contrary, I hate Coke.

To the contrary just directs one's attention to the opposite. It's a bit like 'on the other hand'.

eg A: Is thisdrug safe? B: There is no evidence to the contrary.

Best wishes, Clive

on the contrary/to the contrary

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