against the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"against the idea" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that does not support or agree with a certain idea or opinion. For example, "Many people spoke out against the idea of raising taxes in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lisa was against the idea.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bartholomew argued strongly against the idea.

The New York Times

Mr Cossiga was against the idea.

The Economist

Not everyone is against the idea, however.

Independent

"My mom was really against the idea".

The New Yorker

"Mentally, I was never against the idea.

The New York Times

Management is against the idea.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Greenspan was against the idea.

The New York Times

I'm not wholly against the idea.

The Guardian - Books

Local planners were against the idea, though.

The Guardian - Sport

Many ministers were against the idea.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing disagreement, use "against the idea" to clearly state your opposition, followed by a concise explanation of your reasoning for greater impact.

Common error

Instead of simply stating you are "against the idea", provide specific reasons or alternative solutions to demonstrate a well-thought-out perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against the idea" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating disagreement or opposition. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across diverse contexts, confirming its role in expressing contrary opinions. The AI indicates that it is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "against the idea" is a common and correct way to express opposition to a specific concept, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a prepositional phrase with a neutral register, suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. For more formal settings, alternatives like "opposed to the idea" may be preferred. When using the phrase, providing a clear explanation of your reasons will enhance the impact of your statement. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's versatility, while the AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposed to the idea

Replaces "against" with "opposed to", offering a slightly more formal tone.

resistant to the idea

Emphasizes a level of reluctance or unwillingness to accept the idea.

not in favor of the idea

Clearly states a lack of support for the idea.

disapproving of the idea

Highlights a negative judgment or opinion about the idea.

anti the idea

Uses "anti" as a prefix to directly express opposition.

in disagreement with the idea

Formal phrasing that emphasizes a difference in opinion.

contesting the idea

Suggests active opposition or challenging of the idea.

objecting to the idea

Similar to 'opposing' but may imply a more formal or legalistic dissent.

rejecting the idea

Indicates a firm refusal to accept the idea.

taking issue with the idea

Highlights a specific point of contention or concern regarding the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "against the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "against the idea" to express opposition to a particular concept. For example: "Many senators spoke out against the idea of raising taxes."

What are some alternatives to saying "against the idea"?

Alternatives include phrases like "opposed to the idea", "not in favor of the idea", or "resistant to the idea".

Is it better to say "against the idea" or "opposed to the idea"?

Both "against the idea" and "opposed to the idea" are correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the desired level of formality, with "opposed to" often sounding slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "against the idea" and "disagree with the idea"?

"Against the idea" typically implies a more direct opposition, while "disagree with the idea" can suggest a broader range of dissent, from mild reservations to strong opposition.