a force against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a force against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an entity or action that opposes or resists something else, often in a context of conflict or struggle. Example: "The activists emerged as a force against the proposed legislation that threatened environmental protections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Roddick flew a bit under the radar here for the first few rounds, but announced himself as a force against González, turning a forceful player into a punching bag.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a force against humanity".

The New Yorker

Has also been a force against the run.

The New York Times

In this way nonviolent resistance is a force against apathy in our own ranks".

The New York Times

Roberts was a force against an Islanders club missing its own captain, the injured Michael Peca.

The New York Times - Sports

Read more stories like this: Can twitter be a force against HIV discrimination?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was explained by a restraining force against a grain growth and an adsorption of DMAB.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Almost half those questioned, 47%, say it is a unifying force, against 36% who think it a divisive one.

The Guardian

But a Senate Democratic aide views him as a subversive force against diplomacy.

The New York Times

We also show that competition acts as a stabilizing force against extinction due to random sampling in a finite population.

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications

A high viscosity of the lubricant also requires a large force against its own intermolecular forces in sliding between devices.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a force against" when you want to emphasize active opposition or resistance. It often implies a struggle or conflict against a specific entity or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "a force against" when a simpler term like "opposition" or "resistance" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or combative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a force against" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies an entity or action working in opposition to something else. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to denote active resistance or counteraction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a force against" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe something actively opposing or resisting another entity or action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When writing, it is best to use it to emphasize active opposition and avoid overuse in simpler contexts. Some useful alternatives include "an opposition to" and "a resistance to". Overall, "a force against" is a versatile phrase suitable for formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an opposition to

Replaces the term 'force' with 'opposition', emphasizing resistance.

a resistance to

Focuses on the act of resisting or withstanding something.

a defense against

Focuses on protecting against harm or attack.

a counteraction to

Highlights the action of counteracting or neutralizing an effect.

a deterrent to

Emphasizes the prevention or discouragement of something.

a protection from

Emphasizes shielding or guarding from something.

an antidote to

Suggests a remedy or cure against something harmful.

a check on

Implies a restraint or control over something.

a bulwark against

Presents a strong defense or protection.

a safeguard against

Highlights measures taken to protect against something undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use "a force against" in a sentence?

You can use "a force against" to describe something that actively opposes or resists something else. For example, "Education can be a force against ignorance."

What are some alternatives to "a force against"?

Some alternatives include "an opposition to", "a resistance to", or "a counteraction to", depending on the specific context.

Is "a force against" formal or informal?

The phrase "a force against" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is often found in more serious or analytical writing, as shown by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "a force against" and "a defense against"?

"A force against" implies active opposition or resistance, while "a defense against" suggests protection or shielding from something. The former is proactive, and the latter is reactive.