are against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express opposition or disagreement with a particular idea, action, or policy. Example: "Many community members are against the proposed changes to the local park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are AGAINST someone.

Huffington Post

32% are against it.

The New Yorker

They are against cigarettes.

The New Yorker

"We are against divisive rhetoric".

The New York Times

The odds are against it.

The New York Times

The charges are against Brig.

The New York Times

Both sides are against it.

The Economist

"Our people are against this.

The New York Times

The odds are against her.

The Economist

"The unions are against changes.

The Economist

Most voters are against it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are against", ensure that the subject clearly identifies who or what is in opposition. For example, "The residents are against the new development plan."

Common error

Avoid vagueness by specifying the exact aspect or element being opposed. Instead of saying "They are against it", clarify with "They are against the proposed budget cuts".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are against" is to express opposition or disagreement. It links a subject (who or what is opposing) with an object (what is being opposed). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are against" is a versatile phrase used to express opposition or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely employed, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being opposed. Consider alternatives like "oppose" or "disapprove of" for nuanced expressions. Given its frequent usage and neutral register, "are against" is a reliable choice for conveying dissent in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oppose

A more concise verb expressing direct opposition.

are in opposition to

A longer, more emphatic way of stating disagreement.

disapprove of

Indicates a negative judgment or lack of support.

object to

Highlights a specific reason for disagreeing.

take exception to

A more formal way of expressing disagreement.

are not in favor of

A milder way of expressing lack of support.

dissent from

Suggests a formal or public disagreement.

are averse to

Indicates a strong dislike or unwillingness.

are resistant to

Highlights the act of actively fighting against something.

decline to support

Formally refuses backing or assistance.

FAQs

What's a simple way to explain the meaning of "are against"?

In simple terms, "are against" means to oppose or disagree with something. It indicates a position of resistance or disapproval.

What can I say instead of "are against" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "are opposed to" or "take exception to".

How do I use "are against" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure your sentence clearly identifies who is expressing opposition and what they oppose. For example, "The community members "are against" the construction project."

Is there a subtle difference between "are against" and "disapprove of"?

While both express disagreement, "are against" often implies a more active form of opposition, whereas "disapprove of" can simply mean holding a negative opinion.