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English teachers are notorious for being picayune; however, the English language is so nuanced and sophisticated that often such teachers are not being contrary but are only adhering to the rules.

What is contrary to what?

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    This usage should be listed in a dictionary; did you look it up to see what was going on?
    – Nathan Tuggy
    Aug 1, 2016 at 2:54
  • I believe it is that the teachers are not being contrary to the rules.
    – Em.
    Aug 1, 2016 at 5:31

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English teachers are contrary.

In the example "contrary" is a state, so there is no direct object. In context, it refers to the English teachers; that they are disagreeable or have opposite views compared with others.

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