contain opponents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contain opponents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a situation, strategy, or competition that involves holding or including adversaries or competitors. Example: "The strategy must be designed to contain opponents while maximizing our own strengths."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The tactic seemed to be to contain opponents and then to rely on Romario in particular to win the game with a flash of brilliance.It worked.

The Economist

Having beaten Liverpool in the fourth round, and earned the replay with Everton via a stoppage-time Smith header earlier this month, the Latics could not contain opponents who sit 58 places above them in the league ladder.

BBC

Monk and partner Ashley Williams were inspirational at the centre of Swansea's defence as the visitors, renowned for their attractive football and creative guile, showed their battling side to contain opponents who had scored three goals in each of their previous four wins.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ajax needed a string of fouls to contain their opponents during the second half.

The Guardian - Sport

Laurent Blanc's players heaved unsuccessfully to contain slippery opponents and were made to look utterly limited at times.

The Guardian - Sport

Setting out with a rigid five-man defence was an indication that they were here to contain their opponents for as long as possible.

The Guardian - Sport

Sudan came into the game from that point on, having initially set themselves up to contain their opponents, but Drogba's remained the only goal of the match.

The Guardian - Sport

The strikerless formation was seen as an admission of inferiority, and in a sense it was, since the manager was not certain that his players could contain their opponents any other way.

Independent

Since most voters are understandably confused about what the bills contain, the opponents have been able to attribute any evil they want to Obamacare, from death panels to the death of Medicare, without fear of contradiction.

The New York Times

Raith could not contain their opponents, although at least one dual finished in their favour.

BBC

Bayern began to crawl all over City and with Sergio Aguero as their only outlet, they struggled to contain their opponents.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contain opponents" in a strategic context, ensure the method of containment is clearly defined. Specify whether it involves defensive tactics, resource management, or strategic alliances.

Common error

Avoid using "contain opponents" as a vague descriptor. Instead of saying "We need to contain our opponents," specify the context, like "We need to contain our opponents' offensive strategies by implementing a strong defensive line."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contain opponents" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "contain" acts as a transitive verb and "opponents" serves as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in contexts involving strategies to limit or control adversaries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contain opponents" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI validates, it is employed to describe strategies aimed at limiting the effectiveness or influence of rivals in various competitive scenarios. Alternative phrases like "control adversaries" or "restrain competitors" offer similar meanings, depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, be sure to define the method of containment for clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Overall, "contain opponents" is a valuable tool for expressing strategic goals in diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control adversaries

Focuses on exercising dominance over adversaries, suggesting a higher degree of authority than simply containing them.

restrain competitors

Implies holding back competitors, often in a business or competitive context.

hold back rivals

Emphasizes preventing rivals from advancing or succeeding.

keep opponents at bay

Suggests maintaining a distance from opponents, preventing them from getting too close or becoming a threat.

limit adversaries

Focuses on reducing the scope or influence of adversaries.

manage competitors

Implies overseeing and directing competitors' actions to one's advantage.

check adversaries

Suggests monitoring and curbing the actions of adversaries.

curb rivals

Focuses on restraining or limiting the power and influence of rivals.

neutralize opponents

Implies rendering opponents ineffective or harmless, often through strategic action.

suppress competitors

Emphasizes forcefully preventing competitors from challenging or threatening one's position.

FAQs

How can I use "contain opponents" in a sentence?

You can use "contain opponents" to describe strategies in sports, politics, or business where limiting the actions or influence of rivals is crucial. For instance: "The team's primary objective was to contain opponents and capitalize on their mistakes."

What are some alternative phrases to "contain opponents"?

Alternatives include "control adversaries", "restrain competitors", or "hold back rivals", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "contain opponents"?

Yes, "contain opponents" is grammatically correct. The verb "contain" is properly used with the plural noun "opponents" to indicate limiting or controlling them.

What does it mean to "contain opponents" in a sporting context?

In sports, to "contain opponents" means to limit their scoring opportunities, offensive plays, or overall effectiveness. It often involves defensive strategies designed to minimize their impact on the game.