against this joy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "against this joy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express opposition or conflict with a feeling of joy, often in a poetic or emotional context. Example: "Despite the celebrations around me, I felt a heaviness against this joy that I couldn't shake off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But then there was an act of sabotage against this joy, against this happiness.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Let no one's fears take this joy from us.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

This joy, moreover, is essential to modern life.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Darwin experienced a full measure of this joy.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Sadly, this joy quickly turned to horror.

Forbes

This is not to argue for or against the joy or squalor (or both) of porn, but to assert that it has no placeon the job, where it can make employees uneasy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well, in this man's experience, at least, women don't forget the pain of labor — they mention it, often — but they calculate the pain of giving birth against the joy of having a baby and, usually, decide it's a good bargain.

The New Yorker

A reasonable person would have to conclude that, to borrow Debbie's phrase, the 'structure of school' was conspiring against the joy of learning.

Huffington Post

The experience seems to have inoculated him against the joys of the outside world.

The New York Times - Books

MomenThe's 'Alternative Party Confurynce' Is No Such Thing.

Vice

Mr. Bharara, who as a line prosecutor once handled cases against Mr. Joy's office, called the federal defenders "formidable adversaries who always hold us to our proof, as they should".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "against this joy" to create a sense of conflict or irony, where something negative or challenging juxtaposes a generally positive emotion. For example, "There was a deep unease against this joy, a sense that it couldn't last."

Common error

Avoid using "against this joy" when you simply mean a lack of joy or indifference. The phrase implies an active opposition or contrasting element, not just an absence of happiness.

Linguistic Context

"Against this joy" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to express opposition, contrast, or resistance. Ludwig confirms its usability. Examples show it expressing a conflict with happiness, as seen in the New Yorker snippet: "But then there was an act of sabotage against this joy, against this happiness."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "against this joy" functions as a prepositional phrase used to express opposition, contrast, or resistance to a feeling of happiness. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, although its usage is relatively rare. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources, but its usage extends to scientific, formal and business contexts. When using "against this joy", it is important to ensure that the intended meaning conveys a true sense of conflict or contradiction, rather than simply indicating a lack of happiness. Consider alternatives such as "in contrast to this joy" or "despite this joy" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in opposition to this joy

Replaces "against" with "in opposition to", providing a more formal tone.

in contrast to this joy

Substitutes "against" with "in contrast to", highlighting the difference or disparity with the feeling of joy.

despite this joy

Emphasizes that something exists or occurs even though there is joy, indicating a sense of exception.

counter to this joy

Replaces "against" with "counter to", emphasizing a direct contradiction or opposing force.

in defiance of this joy

Adds a sense of resistance or rebellion against the feeling of joy.

fighting against this joy

Emphasizes active resistance or struggle against the feeling of joy.

in spite of this joy

Similar to "despite", but can suggest a stronger sense of overcoming the joy.

as opposed to this joy

Highlights an alternative or contrasting feeling or situation instead of joy.

resisting this joy

Focuses on the act of actively resisting the feeling of joy.

while contending with this joy

Expresses that it coexists with joy.

FAQs

How can I use "against this joy" in a sentence?

Use "against this joy" to show a contrasting feeling or force that opposes or diminishes a sense of happiness. For example, "A wave of grief washed over her, a coldness "against this joy"."

What's the difference between "against this joy" and "despite this joy"?

"Against this joy" suggests a direct opposition or contrasting element, while "despite this joy" indicates that something occurs even though joy exists. The former implies conflict, the latter acceptance alongside the joy.

Are there more formal alternatives to "against this joy"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "in opposition to this joy" or "in contrast to this joy". These phrases provide a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

When is it appropriate to use "against this joy" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a conflict or contradiction, highlighting that something negative or challenging coexists with or opposes a feeling of joy. It's suitable for literary or reflective writing where nuanced emotions are conveyed.