against

USAGE SUMMARY

"against" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a preposition to describe the relationship between two people, things, or ideas. For example: "He argued against the proposed policy change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, yet he was immensely courageous, too, not least when he spoke for the country against the invasion of Iraq".

The Guardian

At this point, he's up against nearly the whole Palin tribe: Palin women screaming.

The Guardian

Herne was set up in October 2011 to look into allegations made against the Met's Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), including using dead children's identities and engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships.

The Guardian

My cheek nestled against the scratch of paper.

The Guardian - Books

He is appealing against the verdict.

The Guardian

It is not just when settler violence against Palestinians goes unpunished.

The New York Times

Against whom?

The New York Times - Sports

Don't bet against it.

The Guardian

Sevilla scored three and, for the first time in history, two penalties were given against Madrid at home, but still the visitors lost by four.

The Guardian - Sport

If the Conservatives' latest policy of a cut in national insurance was meant to give him a debating advantage against Vince Cable and Alistair Darling, the plan backfired in spectacular fashion.

The Guardian

"In my normal way, I probably would have said, 'I'll look into it.' " Costa said Obeid began to lobby him about AWH within a month of him becoming a minister and he had a conversation with Obeid in which Obeid suggested a corruption complaint may be made against Schott.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "against" to indicate opposition, ensure the context clearly defines what is being opposed. For example, "He argued against the proposal" is clearer than simply saying "He was against it."

Common error

Avoid using "against" when simply indicating the location of something. For example, instead of saying "The book is against the wall", it is better to say "The book is on the wall" or "The book is leaning against the wall", depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "against" functions primarily as a preposition, indicating opposition, contact, or comparison. It can also act as an adverb, meaning in opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "against" is a versatile word functioning as a preposition, adverb, and conjunction to convey opposition, contact, or comparison. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While its register remains largely neutral, "against" appears most frequently in news and sports contexts, and less so in academic or encyclopedic settings. When using "against", clarity is crucial: ensure the context explicitly defines what or whom is being opposed or contacted. Alternatives such as "in opposition to" and "versus" can provide more specific nuances, enhancing precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In opposition to

Emphasizes a direct stance of disagreement or resistance.

Versus

Highlights a competitive or contrasting relationship.

In contrast with

Focuses on the differences between two entities.

Opposing

Describes an active role in resisting or disagreeing with something.

In defiance of

Implies a deliberate act of resistance against authority or expectations.

Counter to

Indicates a direction or force that opposes another.

In collision with

Suggests a direct physical impact or confrontation.

Butted against

More physical alternative that signals butting up against something.

Face to face with

Highlights a direct confrontation or challenge.

Contrasting

Indicates a clear and distinct difference when compared.

FAQs

How can I use "against" in a sentence to show opposition?

You can use "against" to show opposition by stating what is being opposed. For example, "The community protested "against the new development"" or "She spoke "against the war"".

What's the difference between "against" and "versus"?

"Against" can indicate opposition or physical contact, while "versus" primarily denotes a competitive relationship, especially in legal or sporting contexts. For instance, "He is "against the idea"" versus "The Lakers played "versus the Celtics"".

When should I use "in opposition to" instead of "against"?

Use "in opposition to" when you want to emphasize a formal or strong disagreement. While "against" is suitable for most contexts, "in opposition to" carries a more authoritative tone. For example, "The senator stood "in opposition to the bill"".

How can I use "against" to describe physical contact?

You can use "against" to describe physical contact by showing one object is touching or leaning on another. For example, "She leaned "against the tree"" or "The ladder was placed "against the wall"".