be at odds with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be at odds with" is an expression in English that means to disagree or to be in opposition to something or someone.
You can use it in written English when you want to express disagreement or opposition between two things. Example: Her feelings about the new policy were at odds with her colleague's opinion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To be at odds with both looks like carelessness.

The Guardian

Such a theory would, however, be at odds with reality.

The Guardian - Sport

Stimulus does not need to be at odds with reform.

The Economist

Will encouraging commercial investment always be at odds with protecting borrower welfare?

The Guardian

Her decency seems, at times, to be at odds with Sam Mendes's direction.

The New Yorker

That promise seems to be at odds with the donors' intent.

The New York Times

But some librarians have found the job can be at odds with their outside cultural interests.

The New York Times

Racial justice has been misconstrued to be at odds with LGBT rights.

The Guardian

Self-consciousness would be at odds with the spirit of the place.

The New York Times - Food

But those initiatives may be at odds with ever greater levels of speed and reliability.

The New York Times

The British aversion to the I-word seems to be at odds with the facts.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be at odds with", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The results are at odds", specify "The experimental results are at odds with the theoretical predictions."

Common error

Avoid using "be at odds with" for minor disagreements. This phrase implies a significant conflict or fundamental incompatibility, not just a simple difference of opinion. Use it when the disagreement has substantial implications or reflects deep-seated differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at odds with" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically expresses a state of disagreement, conflict, or incompatibility between two or more entities. Ludwig shows its use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be at odds with" is a common and versatile expression used to denote disagreement, conflict, or incompatibility. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. The phrase functions as a prepositional phrase, primarily serving to highlight contrasts and oppositions between entities. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "conflict with" or "be incompatible with" exist, "be at odds with" effectively conveys a significant divergence or opposition. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity and reserve it for substantial disagreements rather than minor differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflict with

Focuses on the direct opposition or clash between two things.

be in disagreement with

Emphasizes the state of not agreeing or holding differing opinions.

be incompatible with

Highlights the inability of two things to coexist or function together harmoniously.

stand in opposition to

Indicates a more formal or principled stance against something.

clash with

Suggests a forceful or abrupt conflict.

be inconsistent with

Stresses the lack of uniformity or coherence.

be contrary to

Implies a direct contradiction or opposition in nature or direction.

run counter to

Suggests a deviation from the expected or intended course.

be at variance with

Emphasizes a discrepancy or difference that leads to conflict.

be in opposition to

Highlights a direct and often active resistance or antagonism.

FAQs

How can I use "be at odds with" in a sentence?

The phrase "be at odds with" indicates a state of conflict or disagreement. For example, "His political views /s/conflict+with" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">conflict with the party's platform."

What are some alternatives to "be at odds with"?

You can use phrases like "conflict with", "disagree with", or "be incompatible with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be at odds to" instead of "be at odds with"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "with". "Be at odds to" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "be at odds with" to express disagreement or conflict.

What's the difference between "be at odds with" and "differ from"?

"Be at odds with" implies a conflict or incompatibility, while "differ from" simply means to be different. "Be at odds with" is a stronger expression indicating opposition or disagreement.