be against something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be against something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express opposition or disagreement with a particular idea, action, or policy. Example: "Many citizens are against the proposed changes to the public transportation system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"How can you be against something that's renewable?

The New York Times

It's an election where you're likely to be against something rather than for something.

The Washington Post

It's not enough to be against something; we need to demonstrate what we are for.

The Washington Post

"To be against something or someone, it's a dangerous thing," Michele says.

The Washington Post

Well, it's ok for people to be against something that they know nothing about.

The Guardian

Ramadan warned: "It's easier to be against something than for something".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

If they are against something, it is unlikely to happen.

The New Yorker

If he's against something, generally speaking, it's rigidity.

The New York Times

"We need to go beyond being against something," Mr. Miranda added.

The New York Times

"When people are against something, that always motivates them more to come out and vote".

The New York Times

The basic rule is you rarely pay a price at the polls for being against something".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like "oppose", "resist", or "reject" when you want to convey a more forceful stance against something.

Common error

Avoid using "be against something" without clearly specifying what you are opposing. Vague statements can lead to misunderstanding and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be against something" functions as a predicate expressing opposition or disapproval. It indicates a negative stance towards a particular idea, action, or policy, as shown in the Ludwig examples. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be against something" is a common and grammatically correct way to express opposition or disagreement, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts. While perfectly acceptable, consider alternatives like "oppose something" or "disapprove of something" for subtle differences in emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being opposed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oppose something

Direct synonym, indicating active resistance or disapproval.

disapprove of something

Indicates moral or ethical disagreement.

object to something

Formal way of expressing disagreement, often in official settings.

be in opposition to something

More formal and emphatic way of stating disagreement.

be averse to something

Expresses a strong dislike or disinclination.

be resistant to something

Suggests reluctance to accept or adopt something.

frown upon something

Indicates disapproval, often based on social or cultural norms.

take a stand against something

Highlights active and public opposition.

be anti something

A more concise and direct way to express opposition.

be unfavorable to something

Formal and somewhat indirect way to express a negative opinion.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "be against something"?

You can use alternatives like "oppose something", "disapprove of something", or "object to something" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be against something" or "oppose something"?

Both phrases are correct, but "oppose something" often sounds more direct and forceful. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

How can I use "be against something" in a sentence?

You can use it to express disagreement or opposition, as in "Many citizens are against the proposed changes" or "I am against any form of discrimination".

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

The phrases are largely interchangeable. However, "be opposed to something" might sound slightly more formal in certain contexts.