backlash towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backlash towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong negative reaction or response directed at a person, group, or idea. Example: "The new policy faced significant backlash towards its implementation from the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

This has created a distressing and harmful backlash towards Muslims, especially women and children.

The Guardian

The Argentinian's appointment came as fans' favourite Nigel Adkins was sacked and rumours were rife of a supporters' backlash towards both Pochettino and Southampton chairman Nicola Cortese.

Independent

A charity supporting male victims of domestic abuse has said it is "extremely disappointed" at the absence of backlash towards Kelly Brook, following recent revelations that she punched two of her ex-boyfriends.

Independent

More broadly, taking the contact hypothesis seriously demands directing resources – in a way that does not create a backlash – towards bringing segregated groups together, whether this be in education, housing or leisure.

The Guardian

Before her interview Erin wasn't fully aware of the backlash towards the term 'mumpreneur'mumpreneur

Forbes

One of the ones that I think is really important is a real backlash towards technology, basically.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The documentary and other social media reactions have caused a backlash directed towards the GMO industry, and Monsanto has since become notorious for allegedly abusing legal rights.

Harvard University

We're already seeing a backlash formed towards IoT — whether it be in the rejection of Google Glass and the glassholes associated with it to the over 50percentt set-aside rate of fitness devices — which are still selling and still being set aside.

TechCrunch

She pointed towards a potential "backlash" from men towards high-achieving women in these societies, and the possibility that in such countries women feel more confident in reporting abuse.

BBC

The letter sparked a backlash online, particularly towards Atwood on Twitter, a platform on which she is very vocal.

The Guardian - Books

Arshad Mahmood, of Bradford, who used to live near the Winson Green area of Birmingham where the documentary was filmed, set up the petition on Tuesday night, saying he was shocked by the public backlash on social media towards people on income support.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "backlash towards", ensure it accurately reflects a strong negative reaction directed at a specific target. While grammatically correct, consider "backlash against" as it is more common and may be more readily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "backlash towards" when "backlash against" is more appropriate. "Against" generally indicates opposition, whereas "towards" implies direction. Use "against" when describing a negative reaction opposing something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backlash towards" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a negative reaction directed at a specific entity. Ludwig AI confirms that while grammatically sound, the phrasing is less common than alternatives like "backlash against."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "backlash towards" is a grammatically acceptable phrase used to describe a strong negative reaction directed at something. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is valid but less common than "backlash against". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, as well as wiki and scientific sources. While correct, writers should be aware of the slightly less conventional nature of "towards" compared to "against" and choose the phrasing that best suits their intended meaning and audience. Alternatives such as "negative reaction to" or "opposition to" may also be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative reaction to

Focuses on the reaction itself, less specific about direction.

adverse response to

Emphasizes the negative nature of the response.

hostile reaction to

Highlights the antagonism in the response.

unfavorable reaction to

Downplays severity compared to "backlash".

negative feedback on

More appropriate for specific instances of criticism.

public outcry against

Highlights the public and vocal nature of the opposition.

opposition to

A more general term for resistance.

resistance to

Suggests a more active form of opposition.

criticism of

Focuses on critical feedback rather than a broader reaction.

resentment of

Highlights the feeling of displeasure or indignation.

FAQs

What does "backlash towards" mean?

The phrase "backlash towards" signifies a strong negative reaction or opposition directed at someone or something. It indicates that the reaction is aimed at a specific target.

Is it better to use "backlash against" or "backlash towards"?

"Backlash against" is more commonly used and widely accepted. While "backlash towards" is grammatically correct, "backlash against" is often preferred for its clarity and conventional usage.

What are some alternatives to "backlash towards"?

Alternatives include "negative reaction to", "adverse response to", or "hostile reaction to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "backlash towards" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company faced significant backlash towards its new policy." This indicates that the policy received a strong negative reaction from the public.