be used against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be used against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is utilized in opposition or as a means of criticism or accusation. Example: "The evidence presented in court can be used against the defendant to prove their guilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they could be used against us.

The Washington Post

"Anything we say will be used against us," he said.

The Guardian

When black women's strength can be used against us.

The Washington Post

"Anything we say now could be used against us".

The New York Times - Sports

Who has access to all our data, and how can it be used against us?

University of California, Berkeley

These new capabilities will be used against us.

Forbes

That intimate information must never be used against us.

Huffington Post

Could that be used against immigrants?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It could be used against you.

The New York Times

Armies should be used against armies.

The New York Times

and this can't be used against me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be used against", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who or what is being used and against whom or what the action is directed.

Common error

Avoid using "be used against" in active voice constructions. The phrase inherently implies a passive recipient of the action. Incorrect: 'They used the evidence against him.' Correct: 'The evidence will "be used against" him.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be used against" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is the recipient of an action. It signifies that something or someone is utilized in an adversarial or disadvantageous manner. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be used against" is a versatile and commonly encountered phrase that effectively conveys the idea of something being employed to someone's disadvantage. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase with a clear subject and object to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "be leveraged against" or "be employed against" can add nuance, understanding the passive voice construction is essential for accurate usage. The phrase appears frequently in news media and academic settings, indicating its relevance in both formal and informal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be employed against

Replaces "used" with "employed", suggesting a more formal or deliberate application against something or someone.

be leveraged against

Substitutes "used" with "leveraged", implying the exploitation of something to one's disadvantage.

be turned against

Emphasizes a shift or reversal, where something initially beneficial is now harmful.

be exploited against

Highlights the unethical or unfair use of something against someone.

be wielded against

Suggests a forceful or skillful application against an opponent.

be directed against

Implies a specific target or focus of the action.

be mobilized against

Suggests organized action or resources being deployed in opposition.

be deployed against

Similar to "mobilized", but with a stronger connotation of strategic positioning.

be instrumentalized against

Indicates that something is made to serve a specific, often manipulative, purpose against another.

be adapted for use against

Signifies modifications made to facilitate adversarial employment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be used against" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "be employed against", "be leveraged against", or "be instrumentalized against", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as able to "be used against" someone?

It indicates that the thing in question—whether it's information, a tool, or a strategy—can potentially harm, disadvantage, or be turned to negative usage in a contest with that person.

Is "be used for" the same as "be used against"?

No, "be used for" implies a purpose or function, while "be used against" suggests an adversarial or detrimental application. They have opposite connotations.

Can you provide an example of "be used against" in a legal context?

In a legal setting, one might say: "The defendant's prior statements could "be used against" them in court to establish a motive or contradict their current testimony."