be against

USAGE SUMMARY

"be against" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express a strong opposition to something. An example sentence using "be against" might be: "I am strongly against making any changes to the current system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Who can be against well-being?

Huffington Post

I wouldn't be against that.

The New York Times

Who could be against that?

The New York Times

Nobody can be against Gandhi!

The Economist

Who can be against that?

Independent

And who could be against that?

The New York Times

Ah, balance — who can be against that?

The New York Times

Of course you'd be against it".

The New York Times

The odds will be against him.

The New York Times

How can a critic be against interpretation?

The New Yorker

But the arithmetic would be against him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be against", ensure the object of your opposition is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I'm against it", specify "I'm against the proposed policy change".

Common error

Avoid using "be against" when you mean slight hesitation or concern. This phrase indicates a strong opposition, so use softer phrases like "have reservations about" or "am not entirely sure about" if you're expressing mild doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be against" functions primarily as a predicate adjective expressing opposition or disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to indicate that someone is not in favor of something. Examples from Ludwig show it expressing opposition to ideas, actions, or policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be against" is a common and grammatically correct way to express disagreement or opposition, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans a range of contexts, from news and media to informal conversations, with a mostly neutral register. It's important to use this phrase when you want to convey a strong sense of opposition, ensuring that the object of your disagreement is clearly defined. Alternatives like "oppose" or "disagree with" can be used for varying degrees of emphasis. Remember to avoid overstating your opposition with this phrase when a milder expression is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be opposed to

A more emphatic and formal way of saying "be against".

oppose

A more direct and forceful way to express disagreement.

disagree with

A milder and more general expression of not being in accord.

object to

Indicates a formal or official expression of opposition.

not be in favor of

A neutral and diplomatic way to express lack of support.

be in disagreement with

Highlights the state of not being in agreement.

take issue with

Suggests a point-by-point disagreement or critique.

dissent from

Implies a formal or principled disagreement, often in a group setting.

be hostile to

Indicates a strong and potentially aggressive opposition.

frown upon

Suggests disapproval or discouragement, often based on social norms.

FAQs

How to use "be against" in a sentence?

Use "be against" to express opposition to something. For example, "I am against the new regulations" or "Many people are against the war".

What can I say instead of "be against"?

You can use alternatives like "oppose", "disagree with", or "object to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be against" or "being against"?

"Be against" is generally correct in most sentence structures. "Being against" can work as a gerund phrase, for example, "Being against the proposal, he voiced his concerns".

What's the difference between "be against" and "be opposed to"?

"Be against" and "be opposed to" are very similar. "Be opposed to" is slightly more formal, but they convey the same meaning of disagreement or resistance.