against the motion

USAGE SUMMARY

"against the motion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when discussing the merits of a motion (a proposal put forward in a formal meeting or forum). For example, "The motion to allocate extra funding for the team's travel expenses was met with strong opposition, with many members speaking against the motion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"22 MPs voted against the motion.

The Guardian

Only 13 MPs voted against the motion.

The Guardian

He asks the synod to vote against the motion.

The Guardian

Chris Ward, a councillor from Guildford, spoke against the motion.

The Guardian

The court voted 7 to 2 against the motion Thursday.

The New York Times

The promise to change only came about because my shares were cast against the motion".

The Guardian - Business

His small party was almost alone in voting against the motion.

The New York Times

Clarke was the only Conservative MP to vote against the motion.

The Guardian

Only one delegate, Thomas Nixon from the BMA's junior doctors committee, spoke against the motion.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Michael Moore is once again going to battle against the Motion Picture Association of America.

The Guardian - Film

After seven hours of debate, 299 MPs voted against the motion, with 47 votes in favour and one abstention.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "against the motion", ensure the context clearly defines the motion being referenced. Clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "against the motion" loosely. This expression implies a formal proposal. If the context lacks a clearly defined motion, consider using "opposed to the idea" or a similar, less formal alternative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against the motion" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates opposition or disagreement with a specific proposal presented in a formal setting. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "against the motion" is a correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that expresses opposition to a formal proposal. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across news, science, and formal business settings, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the motion being referenced to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "opposed to the motion" exist, "against the motion" remains a direct and effective way to communicate dissent in appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposed to the motion

Replaces "against" with "opposed to", maintaining a similar level of formality.

in opposition to the motion

Adds "in opposition" for emphasis, conveying a stronger stance of disagreement.

arguing against the motion

Focuses on the act of presenting reasons for disagreement, shifting from a state to an action.

dissenting from the motion

Uses a more formal and legalistic term, suggesting a minority opinion in an official setting.

voting against the motion

Highlights the act of formally rejecting the proposal through a vote.

objecting to the motion

Emphasizes the expression of disapproval or protest, adding a sense of active resistance.

speaking out against the motion

Implies a public or vocal form of opposition, adding a dimension of advocacy.

resisting the motion

Conveys a sense of active struggle or effort to prevent the motion from succeeding.

not in favor of the motion

Offers a more neutral or understated way of expressing disagreement, suitable for less confrontational contexts.

countering the motion

Suggests the presentation of an alternative proposal or argument to undermine the original motion.

FAQs

How to use "against the motion" in a sentence?

You can use "against the motion" to indicate opposition to a formal proposal. For example: "Several members spoke "against the motion", citing concerns about budget allocation."

What can I say instead of "against the motion"?

You can use alternatives like "opposed to the motion", "in opposition to the motion", or "arguing against the motion" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "against the motion" or "oppose the motion"?

Both "against the motion" and "oppose the motion" are grammatically correct, but ""against the motion"" is a prepositional phrase that usually requires a verb (e.g., 'vote against the motion'). "oppose the motion" is a verb phrase, directly stating disagreement.

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

"Against the motion" typically describes an action or stance taken, while "opposed to the motion" describes a state of being in disagreement. The difference is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.