as opposed to being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as opposed to being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to contrast two different states or conditions, highlighting a preference or distinction between them. Example: "She prefers working in a team environment, as opposed to being alone in a cubicle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wanted them to do something they liked doing as opposed to being pushed.

The New York Times - Sports

As opposed to being just about newsy buzz topics.

The New Yorker

"As opposed to being scenery painters, they're actual painters".

The New Yorker

"As opposed to being someone who just shops.

The New York Times

When you're a hunter as opposed to being the tourist.

The New York Times - Arts

"To even the series, as opposed to being 3-1, it's a good thing for us".

The New York Times - Sports

"As opposed to being quiet, I'm yelling, 'Look at all this stuff!' ".

The New York Times - Arts

And he will be crazy like a fox, as opposed to being mental.

The New Yorker

You go on automatic sometimes, where you're just reacting, as opposed to being your authentic self.

The New York Times

"It seems to be a working kitchen cookbook as opposed to being for special occasions.

Independent

I would be burnt first, of course, as opposed to being butchered and slung in clods.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as opposed to being", ensure that the elements being compared are grammatically parallel to maintain clarity and coherence in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as opposed to being" to compare dissimilar elements. For instance, instead of saying "He enjoys hiking as opposed to being inside", use "He enjoys hiking as opposed to staying inside" to maintain parallel structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as opposed to being" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a contrast or alternative to a preceding statement. It sets up a comparison to highlight a difference, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as opposed to being" is a versatile prepositional phrase employed to highlight contrasts and distinctions between two different situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and very common usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When writing, ensure parallel structure for clarity and consider simpler alternatives like "rather than being" in informal settings. The phrase's purpose is to differentiate, clarify, and provide alternatives, effectively guiding the reader's understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposed to being

This simplifies the phrase by removing "as", slightly reducing formality while maintaining the core meaning.

rather than being

This alternative directly substitutes "as opposed to" with "rather than", maintaining a formal tone but simplifying the phrasing.

instead of being

This phrase uses "instead of" to convey the contrast, making it slightly less formal than the original.

as compared to being

This option introduces "compared to" which emphasizes the comparison aspect of the original phrase more explicitly.

in contrast to being

This phrase highlights the contrast, suitable when emphasizing differences between the options.

unlike being

A simpler and more direct way to show difference, removing some of the formality.

as distinguished from being

More formal and emphatic, it draws a sharper distinction between two options.

rather than

A concise way to express the contrast, omitting the "being" when the context implies it.

in lieu of being

A more formal substitute, suggesting a replacement of one option by another.

not being

The most concise option, focusing directly on what is not the case. Highly dependent on context.

FAQs

How can I use "as opposed to being" in a sentence?

Use "as opposed to being" to contrast two different conditions or states. For instance, "She prefers reading books "as opposed to being" on social media."

What are some alternatives to "as opposed to being"?

Alternatives include "rather than being", "instead of being", or "in contrast to being", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "as opposed to being" formal or informal?

"As opposed to being" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. However, in very informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "as opposed to being" and "unlike"?

"As opposed to being" emphasizes a direct contrast between two specified conditions, whereas "unlike" simply notes a difference. For example, "He chose to work independently "as opposed to being" part of a team" highlights the decision. "He is unlike his brother" just points out their differences.