at opposing ends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at opposing ends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two things that are situated at opposite extremes or positions, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The two political parties stand at opposing ends of the ideological spectrum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

General Discussions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Play begins with teams lined up at opposing ends of the 140-yard-long field.

The New York Times

It feels as if Christine and Letissier are at opposing ends of a spectrum, steadily inching towards each other.

The Guardian - Music

Two teams of seven stand at opposing ends of a court and one player embarks on a raid into enemy territory.

The Guardian - Sport

Consumers seem to have grasped this distinction, which puts the two types of advisers at opposing ends of the market, but the new regime will end this clarity.

The Guardian - Money

A common single gradient characterised catchment scale ecosystem services supply with agricultural production and carbon storage at opposing ends of the gradient as reported for a national-scale assessment.

Science of The Total Environment

The Coast Guard has said the barge was adequately lighted in line with federal law, with two lights at opposing ends, bright enough to be visible at one nautical mile; more lights were added after the crash.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Note that the increase of modulation amplitude of Pest with the increase of P is directly related to the mismatch of signal at the opposing ends of the image line that all ACF-based methods inherently fail to handle.

American Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology

Modifying risk for patients at high risk of disease at the two opposing ends of the spectrum may then be possible by either lifestyle or dietary alterations or drugs targeting the angiogenic pathway.

Medical Hypotheses

This paper presents a multistable variable cross-section laminate (MVCL), which is designed by applying the displacement constraint at the two opposing ends of the laminate.

Materials & Design

At the same time, demands from opposing ends of the political spectrum shook confidence in his stewardship, which had often been marred by rigged elections.

The New York Times

Knot opposing ends together twice.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at opposing ends", ensure the context clearly establishes the scale or spectrum to which the ends refer. This helps the reader understand the nature of the opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "at opposing ends" when the entities being described are merely different, rather than fundamentally opposed or at extreme positions on a defined spectrum. Ensure a clear contrast exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at opposing ends" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the location or positioning of entities in relation to each other. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

General Discussions

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at opposing ends" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote stark contrast or divergence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing, where emphasizing opposing viewpoints or extremes is crucial. To ensure clarity, always provide context to the scale or spectrum being referenced. While the phrase enjoys broad acceptance, be mindful to use it only when a genuine opposition or extreme difference exists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at opposite extremes

Emphasizes the positioning at the furthest points of a scale or range.

at contrary positions

Highlights the conflicting nature of the positions.

at diametrically opposed points

Stresses the complete opposition and divergence between two points.

at polar opposites

Implies a binary opposition, like the poles of a magnet.

in conflicting positions

Focuses on the incompatibility and potential clash between the positions.

on opposite sides

A more general term indicating positions facing away from each other.

at divergent viewpoints

Highlights the difference in perspective or opinion.

in stark contrast

Emphasizes the sharp and obvious difference.

at the other end of the spectrum

Indicates a position at the far reach of a continuous range.

in opposition

A broad term denoting resistance or disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "at opposing ends" in a sentence?

You can use "at opposing ends" to describe positions, ideas, or characteristics that are completely different or contrary. For instance, "The two candidates stood at opposing ends of the political spectrum."

What are some alternatives to "at opposing ends"?

Alternatives include "at opposite extremes", "diametrically opposed", or "at polar opposites". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "at opposing ends" or "at opposite ends"?

Both "at opposing ends" and "at opposite ends" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific context, although "at opposing ends" may slightly emphasize conflict or contradiction.

What does "at opposing ends of the spectrum" mean?

This phrase means that two things are located at the farthest possible points on a particular range or scale. For example, "Their opinions are at opposing ends of the spectrum regarding environmental regulations."