hostile against

USAGE SUMMARY

"hostile against" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is hostile or antagonistic toward someone or something. For example, "The protesters were hostile against the new government policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"If they don't become hostile against the agency, we can continue working.

The Guardian

"We're not hostile against any type of religion, but we also want to make sure as a school district that we're following the law".

The New York Times

After his release Awlaki's statements and lectures grew more openly hostile against the United States, which he said had pressured the Yemeni government into arresting him.

Britannica

"This will make the people more hostile against them," Muhammad al-Rahal, a 42-year-old Arab merchant, said of public reaction to the shootings.

The New York Times

Indeed, LimeWire's counterclaim becomes hostile against iMesh, claiming it has an unusually close working relationship with the RIAA.

TechCrunch

However, when that bourgeois life-form disappeared, the remaining bourgeois "way of life" transformed into a form of asceticism which became hostile against life itself.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Further annoyance are games which pit eagle-eyed hostiles against us.

Independent

It is to guard them against becoming prey to the unscrupulous and the more powerful, against hostile majorities, and against tyrannical government.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Second Macedonian War (200 196) was launched by the Roman Senate against Philip after he refused to guarantee to make no hostile moves against these states.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In it, Italy pledges not to use "direct or indirect" military force against Libya, or to allow the use of its territory "in any hostile act against Libya".

The New York Times

Mr. Gomes was convicted of illegal entry and "hostile acts" against North Korea, it said, without elaborating.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "antagonistic toward" or "opposed to" for smoother phrasing, especially in formal writing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "hostile against" can sound somewhat awkward in formal writing. Opt for more common and polished alternatives such as "opposed to" or "antagonistic toward" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile against" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. According to Ludwig, it describes someone or something exhibiting antagonism toward a specific target, as illustrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hostile against" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express antagonism or opposition. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable, although less common than alternatives like "antagonistic toward" or "opposed to". While it appears in various contexts, including news and encyclopedias, it's advisable to consider more common synonyms for enhanced clarity and formality, especially in formal writing. The phrase functions as an adjectival phrase and is suitable in neutral registers, conveying a negative sentiment towards a specific entity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

antagonistic toward

This alternative uses 'antagonistic' which is a synonym of 'hostile' and 'toward' instead of 'against'.

opposed to

This alternative is a simpler and more common way of expressing disagreement or resistance.

resistant to

This alternative focuses on the act of resisting or preventing something.

in opposition to

This alternative emphasizes the act of being against something.

inimical to

This alternative suggests a more inherent or fundamental opposition.

averse to

This alternative implies a feeling of dislike or reluctance towards something.

at odds with

This alternative suggests a state of disagreement or conflict.

combative with

This alternative suggests a readiness to fight or argue.

belligerent toward

This alternative indicates a more aggressive and warlike attitude.

unfriendly to

This is a more general and less intense way of expressing opposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "hostile against" to describe someone or something that is showing opposition or antagonism toward something else. For example, "The community was increasingly hostile against the proposed development."

What's a more common way to say "hostile against"?

Alternatives include "opposed to", "antagonistic toward", or "averse to", which are generally more frequently used.

Is "hostile against" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hostile against" is grammatically correct, but it's less common than other similar phrases like "hostile toward."

In what contexts is "hostile against" most appropriate?

The phrase is suitable in various contexts but ensure it's clear and not overly formal. In highly formal writing, consider using "opposed to" or "antagonistic toward" for better readability.