About Us

Tell Friends

By Category

Browse Answers:

How to Ask

How to Volunteer

FAQ

Tech Support

Top Experts

Expert Login

Alphabetically

Related General Writing and

Grammar Help Ads
Transition
Synonyms
Versus
Calligraphy Writing
SAT Writing Section

You are here: Home

Arts/Humanities

Writing

General Writing and Grammar Help

"By contrast" versus "conversely"

G e n e r a l W r i t i n g a n /d" B G
y r c ao m
n tmr aa rs t "H ev le pr s

" c o n v e r s e l y "
G e n e r a l W r i t i n g
a n d G r a m m Expert:
a r John Zalewski - 3/26/2006
H e l p
All Answers
Answers by Expert:
Ted Nesbitt
Jerry Leone
Martha Beth Lewis
Roy Johnson
Jannie Balliett
Joel Bjorling
Deborah Burgess
Johnathan Clayborn
Lorna Elliott
SKUMAR IYER
Gina Vallis, Ph.D.
Ask Experts
Volunteer

Advertisement

Question
John, can you help me out with a synonym for "by contrast"? For example, if I was
saying in one sentence that a research study pointed out one conclusion in one
study, but in the next sentence I wanted to point out that the exact opposite
conclusion was reached by another study, what are a few of my best options for
starting that second sentence? "By contrast..." seems like one way. I personally like
using the phrase "Conversely..." but now that I read the definition on various
Internet sites, I see that "conversely" really might only best apply when there is a
change in relationship between one another thing ("All mothers are women.
CONVERSELY, not all women are mothers.") Is it inappropriate for me to use the
word "conversely" when saying something like this: "Smith's research showed that
smoking does not cause cancer. CONVERSELY, multiple subsequent research
studies have shown that smoking does indeed cause cancer." Please let me know
your thoughts on this. THANKS!
Get the answer below
Sponsored Links
Free Book Editing Guide
www.xlibris.com
Are You Done Writing Your Book? Learn 7 Easy Steps in Book Editing.

John Zalewski
Expertise
I can offer synonyms to use instead
of the same, boring words. I can
provide definitions, and teach you
the proper usage of most (if not all)
forms of punctuation. I cannot
comment on the history of writing,
or the various forms of writing
(Calligraphy, etc.). I love to write. I
love to teach. So, this is a
wonderfully perfect job for me!

Experience
I wrote a 353-page book entitled
'Hell in May.' I also wrote an 883page book entitled 'Gone.' I am
planning on trying to get the latter
in print.

NEC Education Solutions

www.necdisplay.com/Education
NEC Makes The Classroom More Interactive. Visit Our Site Now!
Concealed Carry Guide
usconcealedcarry.net
Do You Know Your Rights? Get Your Free Concealed Carry Guide Today!

Answer
Hello, Jane.

I do not think it would be appropriate to use the word

'conversely' in your sentence.
In your first example, mothers are first compared to women. Of course, all mothers are women. Then it's switched, and women are compared to
mothers. It's the opposite. Now we're asking if all women are mothers, and the answer is no. That's why the word 'conversely' is used. An opposite
'answer' must be found.
In your smoking sentences, you first compared smoking to cancer. For the second sentence to be written with the word 'conversely,' it'd have to say
"Conversely, multiple...have shown that cancer does not cause smoking."
One synonym you can use is 'contrary,' as in 'on the contrary, multiple studies have shown that smoking does indeed cause cancer.'
Regards,
John

Questioner's Rating

Rating(1-10)
Comment

Add to this Answer

Knowledgeability = 10
Thanks!

Clarity of Response = 10

Politeness = 10

Ask a Question

converted by Web2PDFConvert.com

Related Articles
Smoking Related Cancer – What Are Smoking Related Cancers
Passive Smoking and the Risk of Breast Cancer - Secondhand Smoke and Breast Cancer
Smoking Increases Colon Cancer Risk in Men
Smoking and Ovarian Cancer
5 Reasons to Quit Smoking Cigarettes

Sponsored Links
Scary Ovarian Cancer Sign
healthyreply.com/OvarianCancerSigns
Do You Have These (3) Scary Scary Ovarian Cancer Sign? See Now!
Meet Your Alternate Self
www.quantumjumping.com
The Key to Change Your Life is to "Jump" Into Your Subconscious...
Breast Cancer Risk
www.nwhbreastinstitute.org
Are you at Risk for Breast Cancer? Use our Online Assessment Today
What Is Your Claim Worth?
www.personal-injury-help.us
Your Injury Could Be Worth Thousands. Free Online Evaluation
Bowel Control Treatment
www.everyday-freedom.com/
Suffering from chronic bowel incontinence? There may be help.

User Agreement

Privacy Policy

2015 About.com. All rights reserved.

converted by Web2PDFConvert.com