against the wind

USAGE SUMMARY

'against the wind' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about an action that is difficult due to obstacles or resistance. For example, "The athlete ran against the wind for hundreds of yards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even against the wind today, her shots were very powerful".

The New York Times - Sports

They go against the wind, terrify people, cleanse the air".

The New York Times

Against the wind, the Redskins' offense couldn't move.

The New York Times - Sports

He's cautious, buttoned down, collar turned up against the wind.

The New York Times

She also wrote fictional works (e.g., Storm Against the Wind ).

Britannica

It just seems like we're fighting against the wind".

The New York Times - Sports

"It went against the wind," Mr. Karaganov said.

The New York Times

"Even if only modestly, it will lean against the wind".

The New York Times

"It's you against the water, you against the wind.

The New York Times

But stiffening them against the wind was a harder task.

The New York Times - Magazine

The club represented all of us here who are fighting against the wind to survive".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: The phrase works best when describing situations where there's a tangible or metaphorical force to overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "against the wind" in literal scenarios where the wind direction is merely a physical detail. The phrase's strength lies in its figurative representation of opposition or struggle, not simple meteorology.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against the wind" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig highlights numerous examples where it adds context to situations involving struggle or resistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "against the wind" is a common and correct idiom used to describe facing adversity or opposition. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, with usage extending to Wiki and Encyclopedias as well. While grammatically sound and widely applicable, it's crucial to consider the context and intended audience, especially in formal or scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. Consider exploring related phrases for a broader understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in defiance of the wind

Replaces "against" with "in defiance of", emphasizing a deliberate act of resistance.

in opposition to the wind

Substitutes "against" with "in opposition to", highlighting a state of being contrary.

contending with the wind

Replaces "against" with "contending with", focusing on the struggle against the wind.

battling the wind

Emphasizes the forceful struggle against the wind using the word "battling".

withstanding the wind

Focuses on enduring or resisting the force of the wind.

in the face of the wind

Highlights facing the wind directly, emphasizing bravery or confrontation.

fighting the elements

Broadens the scope to include all environmental challenges, not just the wind.

swimming upstream

Uses a metaphor to describe acting against a prevailing force or trend.

bucking the trend

Emphasizes resisting a popular trend or direction.

going against the grain

Indicates acting contrary to the expected or normal course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "against the wind" to describe facing adversity, like: "Starting a new business during a recession is like fighting "against the wind"".

What's a good alternative to "against the wind" that conveys a similar meaning?

Alternatives to "against the wind" include phrases like "contending with the wind", or "battling the wind", which also suggest struggling against opposition.

Is "against the wind" a formal or informal expression?

"Against the wind" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it's a widely understood idiom. However, consider your audience; a more formal setting might benefit from a less figurative alternative such as "in opposition to".

Can "against the wind" be used in contexts other than physical resistance?

Yes, "against the wind" is often used metaphorically to describe opposing trends, ideas, or circumstances, not just physical forces. For example, "swimming upstream", or "bucking the trend".