Usually at the beginning, for example: Contrary to popular belief, the word contrary is used at the beginning of the sentence in which it is used.
I like potatoes. On the CONTRARY, I don't like them mashed.
Contrary to popular belief, not all IMAX theaters are domed.
Her actions were contrary to her words, causing confusion among the team members.
The election results were contrary to expectations.
Contrary to traditional wars, the cavalry attacked after the infantry.
contrary, contradictory, diametric, counter, adverse,obverse, contrasted.
Another word for contrary is different, or opposite.
Contrary to popular belief, the poor may be happier than the rich.
The Tagalog word for "on the contrary" is "sa kabilang banda" or "subalit."
Contrary to popular belief, setting off a stink bomb in the teacher's lounge did not turn out to be a good idea.
The "were" in the sentence "If I were you, I would consult a specialist" is a sign that the sentence is in the subjunctive mood. In this case, the sentence deals with a hypothetical situation, one that is contrary to fact: "If I were you" is contrary to fact" because I am not you.