favourable opponents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "favourable opponents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe opponents who are advantageous or beneficial in some way, perhaps in a competitive scenario. Example: "In the championship match, we faced favourable opponents who pushed us to perform at our best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Celtic are understandably keen to downplay the notion that the Russians are therefore favourable opponents and that an understrength Barcelona will do them a favour against Benfica.

The Guardian - Sport

Latvia always looked favourable opponents.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He even tampered with the imperial records from the last years of his father's reign and the first years of his own, ordering the suppression of any accounts unfavourable to himself or favourable to his opponents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hastings Kamuzu Banda (1963 94) to obtain favourable sentences against political opponents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those who take the most favourable view often regard opponents as backward-looking and fearful of change.

Independent

The rise in the share prices of tobacco firms could persuade Bill Clinton that the deal is too favourable to his old opponents.

The Economist

Sadly for the Imps, attempting to reach the top flight of the Premier League for the first time, the ensuing goalless draw was a more favourable result for their opponents.

The Guardian - Sport

Carlsen's facility for creating positions, not necessarily favourable, which play on his opponent's technical and psychological weaknesses, echoes Emanuel Lasker who held the world title for a record 27 years.

The Guardian - Sport

At last Entellus, having got his opponent into a favourable position, raises his tremendous right hand on high and aims a terrible blow at the Trojan's head; but the wary Dares deftly steps aside, and Entellus, missing his adversary altogether, falls headlong by the impetus of his own blow, with a crash like that of a falling pine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her final piece of advice was to sometimes treat opponents kindly: "Leave them favourable when the going gets tough".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In ad 90 he was expelled from Rome with other philosophers by the emperor Domitian, who was irritated by the favourable reception given by Stoics to opponents of his tyranny.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a competitive scenario, use "favourable opponents" to suggest that the opposition presents a strategic advantage or a higher likelihood of success. It's useful in sports analysis, political commentary, and business strategy.

Common error

While "favourable opponents" is a valid phrase, using it too often or in overly serious or tragic contexts can undermine the gravity of the situation. Choose more neutral or respectful language when discussing sensitive matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "favourable opponents" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'favourable' modifies 'opponents'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It typically describes opponents that offer an advantage in a competitive situation, as demonstrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "favourable opponents" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe adversaries who present a strategic advantage or are considered easier to overcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, its applicability spans various fields. Keep in mind to consider the context when using it, as it can be inappropriate in more serious or sensitive situations. Alternatives like "advantageous adversaries" or "beneficial rivals" can provide similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advantageous adversaries

Replaces "favourable" with "advantageous" and "opponents" with "adversaries", emphasizing the beneficial aspect of facing these opponents in a competitive context.

beneficial rivals

Substitutes "favourable" with "beneficial" and "opponents" with "rivals", highlighting the positive impact of competing against these rivals.

beatable foes

Directly states that these foes are capable of being defeated, implying a higher probability of success.

manageable adversaries

Highlights the ease with which these adversaries can be handled, suggesting a lower level of difficulty.

undemanding challengers

Indicates that the challengers pose little difficulty and require minimal effort to defeat.

convenient adversaries

Highlights the handiness and positive attributes of rivals making them strategically beneficial to play against.

advantageous matchups

Emphasizes the positive advantage in the game or fight being played.

weak opposition

Focuses on the lack of strength in the opposition, making them easier to overcome.

desirable competitors

Emphasizes that these competitors are wanted or preferred due to their perceived weakness or some strategic advantage.

suitable contenders

Suggests that the contenders are appropriate for a given situation, often implying they are not overly difficult.

FAQs

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

You can say, "The team was fortunate to face "favourable opponents" in the early rounds of the tournament", indicating an easier path to victory.

What does it mean when someone describes opponents as "favourable"?

It typically implies that those opponents are considered easier to defeat or provide some strategic advantage compared to other potential rivals. They might be less skilled, less experienced, or have some exploitable weakness.

Are there situations where using the term "favourable opponents" might be inappropriate?

Yes, it can be inappropriate in contexts where it seems disrespectful or dismissive of the opposition, especially in serious or tragic situations. Opt for neutral language in those cases.

What are some alternative ways to describe opponents that are not very strong?

Consider using phrases like "weak opposition", "less challenging rivals", or "undemanding adversaries" depending on the context.