In opposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In opposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being against something or someone, often in a political or argumentative context. Example: "The two parties are in opposition regarding the proposed legislation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In opposition they formed rival political parties.

The Economist

In opposition, we elected the shadow cabinet.

The Guardian

In opposition, political parties bemoaned the manipulation.

The New York Times

In opposition to the Serbs?

EU Parlament

In opposition to trans, there is cis.

eLife

Englishmen in opposition.

The New York Times - Sports

It worked well in opposition.

Independent

It will remain in opposition.

The Economist

Many black churches remain firmly in opposition.

The New Yorker

Third, how in opposition is purpose refreshed?

The Guardian

Wildlife groups have lined up in opposition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in opposition" to introduce contrast or disagreement, making sure your sentence structure highlights the points of divergence.

Common error

Avoid using "in opposition" when a simpler term like "against" or "opposing" suffices. Overusing complex phrasing can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in opposition" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating a state of disagreement or resistance. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in opposition" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote disagreement or resistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what is being opposed. While simpler alternatives exist, "in opposition" offers a nuanced way to express dissent in formal or neutral registers. Avoid overuse to maintain impact and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Against

A shorter, more direct synonym indicating disagreement or resistance.

In disagreement with

Specifically highlights the lack of agreement.

Contrasting with

Emphasizes the difference or divergence between two things.

Opposing

A more active participle form indicating an act of resisting.

Resisting

Implies active resistance or fighting against something.

In defiance of

Suggests a more rebellious or disobedient stance.

Contrary to

Highlights a direct contradiction or opposite view.

In contradiction to

Similar to 'contrary to', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on logical inconsistency.

Versus

A concise term used to indicate opposition or competition.

Antagonistic to

Describes a hostile or unfriendly relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "In opposition" in a sentence?

"In opposition" is typically used to indicate disagreement or resistance. For example, "The political party is "in opposition" to the proposed law".

What are some alternatives to "In opposition"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "against", "opposing", or "in disagreement with".

Is it better to say "In opposition to" or just "In opposition"?

Both are correct, but "in opposition to" is more explicit and often preferred for clarity. "In opposition" can stand alone when the context makes the object of opposition clear.

What's the difference between "In contrast" and "In opposition"?

"In contrast" highlights differences, while "in opposition" indicates active resistance or disagreement. You might use "in contrast" to compare two neutral options, but "in opposition" to describe a conflict or dispute.