against one's will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "against one's will" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is forced to do something they do not want to do. Example: "The decision to relocate was made against her will, leaving her feeling frustrated and powerless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Moderate sexual abuse (genital contact) is the experience of being touched on the genitals against one's will, being forced to satisfy him/herself sexually, or forced to touch another person's genitals.

BMC Women's Health

Inversely, to be unseen against one's will is to be powerless.

The New Yorker

In this short, unapologetically angry book, Keizer insists that privacy is an essential human value, rooted in "a creaturely resistance to being used against one's will".

The New Yorker

It's not enough to encourage saddling up for the ride, but if captured and taken there against one's will, one can at least enjoy the scenery.

The Guardian - Film

The United States command said "it is expected that charges of restraint against one's will and aggravated assault" would be filed against some of the demonstrators.

The New York Times

(A lot of things in this world are "unmasculine," of course, including, for instance, the experience of being pregnant, possibly against one's will).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

To run a private practice against one's own will is obviously demanding, and it could potentially take a lot of energy and focus away from the core tasks of being a doctor.

BMC Health Services Research

No one's will.

The New York Times

Due to this monoculture, an attack that works against one computer will work against many.

Security Informatics

However, within a serotype, neutralizing antibody generated against one DENV strain will neutralize all others.

BMC Ecology

Finishing second means that they will probably be handed a tough draw, possibly against one of Europe's giants, but Gent will believe that anything is possible after becoming only the second Belgian side to get beyond the group stage in Champions League history.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "against one's will" to clearly indicate that an action is being performed without someone's consent or desire, highlighting a lack of volition.

Common error

Avoid using "against one's will" when describing simple disagreements or preferences; it's best reserved for situations involving coercion, force, or significant disregard for someone's autonomy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against one's will" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that the action occurs without the consent or desire of the person involved. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "against one's will" is used to express that an action is performed without someone's consent or desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across a variety of contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Alternative expressions include "without consent", "involuntarily", and "under duress". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a situation of coercion or lack of volition, avoiding its application to simple disagreements. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without consent

Focuses on the absence of permission or agreement.

involuntarily

Highlights the lack of voluntary action.

under duress

Emphasizes the presence of coercion or threats.

by force

Indicates the use of physical power to compel action.

without volition

Stresses the absence of free will or choice.

compulsorily

Highlights that something is required or obligatory.

under compulsion

Suggests being driven or forced to act.

by coercion

Indicates actions influenced by pressure or intimidation.

not by choice

Emphasizes the lack of voluntary decision.

in defiance of one's wishes

Directly opposes someone's desires or preferences.

FAQs

How can I use "against one's will" in a sentence?

Use "against one's will" to indicate that someone is being forced to do something they don't want to do, as in "She was taken to the meeting "against one's will"".

What are some alternatives to saying "against one's will"?

You can use alternatives like "without consent", "involuntarily", or "under duress" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "against one's will" or "without their consent"?

"Against one's will" and "without their consent" are both suitable for formal contexts, but "without their consent" may sound slightly more direct and legalistic in certain situations.

When is it appropriate to use "against one's will"?

It is appropriate to use "against one's will" when describing situations where someone is being compelled to act against their own desires, choices, or freedom, especially in scenarios involving coercion or force.