be opposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be opposed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrasal verb meaning to disagree with someone or something. For example, you might say, "I am opposed to the idea of changing the school dress code."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Definitely gun hunting I'd be opposed to.

The New York Times

I wouldn't be opposed to it.

The Guardian

Why might some be opposed to it?

The New York Times

Labour used to be opposed to patronage.

The Guardian

–Who might be opposed to "heritage tourism"?

The New York Times

"And then they are going to be opposed to it".

The New York Times

The business lobby continues to be opposed to the legislation.

The New York Times

"We wouldn't be opposed to talking about some conservation.

The New York Times

Liberals should be opposed to tyranny and genocide.

The New York Times

O.K., it's hard to be opposed to food.

The New York Times

The US would be opposed to Britain leaving, he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, consider stronger alternatives like "object to" or "dissent from" for a more impactful statement of disagreement.

Common error

A common mistake is to omit the preposition "to" after "be opposed". Always include "to" to maintain the correct meaning. For example, say "I am opposed to this plan" instead of "I am opposed this plan".

How to use

Learn how to use "be opposed to" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be opposed to" functions as a predicative expression indicating disagreement or resistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in expressing disapproval of policies, ideas, or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be opposed to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for indicating disagreement or resistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a predicative expression. It's most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. When using "be opposed to", remember to include the preposition "to" to avoid grammatical errors. For more formal settings, consider stronger synonyms like "object to" or "dissent from". Ensure your choice aligns with the tone and context of your writing for the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be against

A more informal and direct synonym.

object to

Emphasizes a formal objection or disapproval.

not be in favor of

Indicates a lack of support or approval.

be in disagreement with

Formal way of expressing disagreement.

disagree with

Simple and direct, focusing on disagreement.

find unacceptable

Emphasizes that something does not meet one's standards or expectations.

dissent from

Highlights a differing opinion, often in a formal context.

resist

Suggests active opposition or unwillingness to accept something.

take exception to

Suggests a personal offense or strong disagreement.

decline to endorse

Implies a formal rejection of support.

FAQs

How can I use "be opposed to" in a sentence?

Use "be opposed to" to express disagreement or disapproval of something. For instance, "I am opposed to the new policy" or "Many residents are opposed to the construction project".

What's a more formal way to say "be opposed to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "object to", "dissent from", or "take exception to".

Is there a difference between "be opposed to" and "be against"?

While "be opposed to" and "be against" are similar, "be opposed to" often implies a more reasoned or formal disagreement, whereas "be against" can be more general.

What are some common synonyms for "be opposed to"?

Common synonyms include "disagree with", "not be in favor of", and "resist", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.