be up against it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be up against it" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is facing difficulties or challenges. Example: "With the deadline approaching and limited resources, we really feel like we are up against it this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He could be up against it.

The Guardian

"We knew we'd be up against it, but we had great resilience and stayed organized".

The New York Times - Sports

If you are not on it 100 per cent in international cricket you will be up against it.

Independent

The Toffees remain the Premier League's only unbeaten side, so Manuel Pellegrini's men will be up against it this weekend.

Independent

Still three days to go, three days in which the suspicion is growing that England will be up against it.

The Guardian - Sport

"Wasps are definitely a bogey team for us, and we know we will be up against it on their home turf.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

She was up against it.

The New Yorker

The Democrats are up against it.

The New Yorker

Mr Saiq is up against it.

The Economist

Our backs were up against it.

The New York Times

"We're up against it.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing when using "be up against it"; while generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound informal depending on the context. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "encounter significant challenges" or "face an uphill battle".

Common error

While "be up against it" is widely understood, it can be perceived as too informal for academic papers or formal business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives to maintain a polished tone in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

"Be up against it" functions as an idiomatic phrase, acting as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of a subject facing difficulties or challenges. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, reinforcing its descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be up against it" is a very common idiomatic phrase used to describe a situation characterized by significant challenges or difficulties. As Ludwig AI underlines, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Sports contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone of your writing, as the phrase might be perceived as informal in more formal settings. In such cases, alternatives like "face an uphill battle" or "encounter significant challenges" can provide a more polished tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face an uphill battle

Implies a difficult and prolonged struggle against significant obstacles. It suggests a situation where progress is slow and requires considerable effort.

encounter significant challenges

A more formal and neutral way of expressing that difficulties are expected or being experienced. It lacks the idiomatic flair of the original phrase.

be in a difficult position

Indicates a problematic or unfavorable situation. It is more general and less specific about the nature of the difficulty.

have a tough time

Suggests a period of hardship or adversity. It is less formal and more focused on the experience of the individual or group involved.

struggle against adversity

Emphasizes the act of fighting against unfavorable circumstances. It is more dramatic and emphasizes the resilience required.

meet with resistance

Highlights opposition or obstacles encountered during a particular endeavor. It is often used in contexts involving change or innovation.

contend with obstacles

Similar to meeting with resistance but can also mean obstacles that are not human factors, e.g. the weather.

be hard-pressed

Stresses the pressure and strain resulting from a challenging situation. It implies a sense of urgency and limited resources.

be at a disadvantage

Highlights the lack of a level playing field, suggesting an inherent weakness or unfavorable condition.

be fighting a losing battle

Suggests a strong probability of failure despite one's best efforts. It conveys a sense of futility and impending defeat.

FAQs

How can I use "be up against it" in a sentence?

You can use "be up against it" to describe a situation where someone is facing significant difficulties. For example: "With the new regulations, small businesses will really "be up against it"."

What are some alternatives to "be up against it"?

Alternatives include "face an uphill battle", "encounter significant challenges", or "be in a difficult position", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "be up against it" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "be up against it" might be too informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "encounter significant challenges" or "face an uphill battle" in those situations.

What does "be up against it" mean?

"Be up against it" means to be facing significant difficulties or challenges. It implies that success will be difficult to achieve due to the obstacles present.