grudge against

USAGE SUMMARY

'grudge against' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally speaking, it is used to describe a feeling of resentment or bitterness towards someone or something. For example, "John had a grudge against his boss for not giving him a promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have no grudge against her".

Independent

Was it a personal grudge against Americans?

The New York Times

Anyhow, she holds no grudge against Hamptonites.

The New York Times

Did I mount a lifelong grudge against the newspaper?

Independent

I'm not going to hold a grudge against the guy".

The New York Times - Sports

He also had a personal grudge against the Ellets.

The New York Times

Ross was busy nursing another grudge, against DeWitt Wallace.

The New Yorker

"I haven't got a grudge against the band," he said.

Independent

Each was harboring a grudge against the other.

The New York Times

Nasser Salhoba's grudge against Qaddafi goes back a long way.

The New York Times - Magazine

He may have had a grudge against babies, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "grudge against", ensure that the context clearly identifies the object or person toward whom the grudge is directed. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid implying that a "grudge against" is a fleeting emotion. A grudge typically suggests a sustained feeling of resentment, so ensure your writing reflects this prolonged sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grudge against" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the object or target of a sustained feeling of resentment or bitterness. Ludwig shows its common use in expressing negative sentiments towards individuals or entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grudge against" is a common and grammatically correct way to express sustained resentment or bitterness toward someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "resentment toward" or "ill will toward" exist, "grudge against" often implies a deeper, more prolonged feeling. When using this phrase, clarity in identifying the target of the grudge is essential to avoid ambiguity. Avoid implying it is a fleeting emotion, as a grudge is generally long-lasting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resentment toward

Focuses on the feeling of displeasure or indignation at someone's actions.

ill will toward

Highlights the negative feelings and a lack of goodwill.

animosity toward

Emphasizes a strong feeling of dislike or hostility.

bitterness toward

Indicates a long-lasting feeling of resentment and disappointment.

hostility toward

Stresses an aggressive and unfriendly attitude.

rancor toward

Implies a deep-seated bitterness and resentment.

dislike for

A milder expression of negative feelings.

antipathy to

Indicates a strong feeling of aversion or dislike.

aversion to

Suggests a strong feeling of dislike and a desire to avoid.

disaffection with

Points to a loss of affection or loyalty.

FAQs

How can I use "grudge against" in a sentence?

You can use "grudge against" to express a feeling of resentment or bitterness towards someone or something. For example: "He held a "grudge against" his former business partner for betraying him."

What's a more formal alternative to "grudge against"?

More formal alternatives include "resentment toward" or "ill will toward". For example, instead of saying "She had a "grudge against" her competitor", you could say "She harbored "resentment toward" her competitor".

Is it better to say "grudge against" or "grudge towards"?

"Grudge against" is generally more common and preferred in contemporary English. "Grudge towards" is also acceptable but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "grudge against" and "resentment toward"?

While similar, "grudge against" often implies a more prolonged and deeply rooted feeling of bitterness compared to "resentment toward", which can be a more immediate reaction to a specific event.