as against

USAGE SUMMARY

"as against" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to compare two or more things, similar to "in comparison to" or "compared to". For example: "The cost of flying domestically is much lower than traveling internationally, as against the time it takes to get to the destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was also translated into English as Against Nature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The word "paradox" translates as "against belief".

Huffington Post

The document was written by the deacon Ignatios and published in 824 as Against Thomas.

Wikipedia

Seventeen innings, as against nineteen last night?

The New Yorker

Mine dictates coarse ground, as against cracked.

The New York Times - Food

Not nearly as valiant as against Aynaoui.

The New York Times - Sports

As against France again, Stancu converted.

The Guardian - Sport

The script was rehearsed five times, as against three readings.

The New Yorker

"It started off as against her will," he answered.

The New York Times

"I am for experience as against experiment," Smith declared.

The New Yorker

We undervalue, perhaps, the experienced lover, as against the rookie.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as against" in formal writing, ensure the comparison is balanced and the alternatives are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as against" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler phrases like "compared to" or "versus" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as against" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a comparison or contrast. It sets up a relationship where two or more things are being considered in opposition to each other, highlighting their differences. Ludwig shows its utility in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

54%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as against" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce comparisons, often emphasizing differences. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct and it's commonly found in various contexts, especially science and news. While grammatically sound, it's best reserved for formal or neutral contexts to avoid sounding out of place. Alternatives like "compared with" or "versus" can be used for brevity or in less formal settings. Understanding its appropriate use can significantly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared against

Emphasizes a thorough evaluation of one thing with another.

compared with

This alternative is more concise and widely used for direct comparisons.

rather than

Indicates a preference or choice against another option.

in comparison to

This phrase provides a more formal tone for emphasizing differences.

in contrast with

This alternative stresses the differences rather than similarities.

as opposed to

This highlights a direct opposition between two elements.

by comparison with

Offers a more analytical perspective when drawing comparisons.

versus

A shorter, often used in sports or legal contexts for indicating opposition.

as an alternative to

This suggests one option is being chosen over another.

juxtaposed with

Implies placing two items side by side to highlight their differences.

FAQs

How do I use "as against" in a sentence?

Use "as against" to draw a comparison, emphasizing differences. For example, "The benefits of this treatment are significant as against the potential risks."

What's the difference between "as against" and "compared to"?

"As against" typically highlights a contrast or difference, while "compared to" is a more general term for making comparisons.

Can I use "versus" instead of "as against"?

Yes, "versus" is a shorter, more direct alternative, often used in headings or when space is limited.

Is "as against" formal or informal?

"As against" is generally considered more formal and is suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic writing.