against someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "against someone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to opposition or hostility directed at another person or group. For example, "The protesters raised their voices in outrage against someone in charge of the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are AGAINST someone.

Huffington Post

Never discriminate against someone.

The Guardian

I'd rather prop against someone taller.

Independent

"An employer could discriminate against someone inadvertently.

The New York Times - Tech

He's never fought against someone like me.

Independent

I'm capable against someone like Amir".

The Guardian - Sport

That helps against someone like Feli because he serves well.

Independent

"To get action against someone is very difficult".

The New York Times

Any Thai can bring a lèse-majesté case against someone.

The Guardian

She is lost when not pitted against someone.

The New York Times

"I hate to vote against someone," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "against someone", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of opposition or interaction you intend to convey, such as competition, discrimination, or disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "against someone" when you intend to express support or agreement. The phrase inherently implies opposition or conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against someone" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate opposition, competition, or conflict directed towards a specific individual. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "against someone" is grammatically correct and very common, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is primarily used to indicate opposition, competition, or conflict directed towards a specific individual. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its broad applicability across various contexts, including news reporting, general discussions, and formal settings. While the phrase is generally neutral, it often carries a negative connotation, so it's important to ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning. Related phrases like "opposed to someone" or "competing against someone" can offer more specific nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposed to someone

Emphasizes disagreement or disapproval towards a person.

in opposition to someone

Highlights a state of active resistance or disagreement.

competing against someone

Specifically refers to a situation of rivalry or contest.

in contrast to someone

Focuses on highlighting differences between individuals.

antagonistic towards someone

Implies a hostile or unfriendly attitude.

adversarial to someone

Suggests a relationship characterized by conflict or opposition.

contending with someone

Highlights the act of struggling or arguing with another person.

at odds with someone

Indicates a state of disagreement or conflict.

in defiance of someone

Emphasizes a rebellious or disobedient stance.

counter to someone

Suggests acting in a way that contradicts or opposes another person's actions or beliefs.

FAQs

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

You can use "against someone" to indicate opposition, competition, or legal action. For example, "He testified against someone who committed a crime", or "The team is playing against someone with a strong reputation".

What's the difference between "against someone" and "opposed to someone"?

"Against someone" generally implies action or conflict, while "opposed to someone" suggests a difference in opinion or belief. You might compete against someone in a game, but be opposed to someone's political views.

What can I say instead of "against someone" to indicate competition?

If you specifically want to convey a competitive relationship, you could use phrases like "competing against someone" or "playing against someone".

Is it always negative to be "against someone"?

While "against someone" often carries a negative connotation suggesting opposition or conflict, it can also be neutral, such as in sports where teams play "against someone". The specific meaning depends heavily on context.