hostile towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostile towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or aggressive attitude or behavior directed at someone or something. Example: "The community has been hostile towards the new development project, expressing concerns about its impact on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Ugandan society has become more hostile towards LGBT persons.

Independent

He thinks London has become more hostile towards rough sleepers.

The Guardian

However, people who know least about the facts are the most hostile towards claimants.

Independent

I believed that people were going to be actively hostile towards me".

The New York Times

Le Pen and Ukip's Nigel Farage are usually hostile towards one another.

The Guardian

Subliminally it makes them more cynical, more hostile towards scooter users.

The Guardian

Last week some party figures were being quite hostile towards Nick Clegg.

The Guardian

We shouldn't overstate the small minority who are hostile towards it.

The Guardian - Opinion

CSKA and Levski Sofia fans were always going to be hostile towards Ludogorets.

The Guardian - Sport

This could be because the chemical environment on Mars is so hostile towards these fragile molecules.

The Guardian

The owl's fate aroused great sadness, whereas they seemed indifferent – even hostile – towards the sparrowhawk.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hostile towards", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The community was hostile towards the proposed development" leaves no doubt about who is displaying hostility and toward what.

Common error

Avoid using "hostile towards" when a milder term like "unfriendly" or "disapproving" would more accurately reflect the situation. Overstating the level of animosity can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile towards" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject's attitude or behavior. It specifies the nature of the relationship between the subject and the object of the preposition, indicating antagonism or opposition, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hostile towards" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe antagonism or strong dislike. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing the phrase is frequently used in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure the level of hostility accurately reflects the situation and avoid ambiguity by clearly defining the subject and object. Alternatives such as ""antagonistic to"" or ""unfriendly to"" can be used depending on the context and desired intensity. It is important to note that Ludwig considers the phrase correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

antagonistic to

Implies active opposition or dislike, similar to hostile but can be less intense.

unfriendly to

Suggests a lack of friendliness or warmth, a milder form of hostility.

ill-disposed toward

Indicates a negative or unfavorable attitude, somewhat formal.

averse to

Signifies a strong dislike or opposition, often based on personal preference.

inimical to

Describes something harmful or unfavorable, often in a broader sense.

antipathetic to

Suggests a deep-seated aversion or dislike.

belligerent to

Indicates a readiness to fight or argue; more aggressive than simply hostile.

combative towards

Similar to belligerent, emphasizing a fighting or argumentative stance.

confrontational with

Highlights a tendency to engage in direct opposition or conflict.

aggressive to

Suggests forceful and potentially harmful behavior.

FAQs

What does "hostile towards" mean?

The phrase "hostile towards" describes someone or something showing strong dislike, opposition, or antagonism toward another person, group, or thing.

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

You can use "hostile towards" to describe someone's negative attitude. For example: "The new manager was "unfriendly towards" the existing team."

What are some alternatives to "hostile towards"?

Alternatives include "antagonistic to", "unfriendly to", or "ill-disposed toward depending on the context".

Is it better to say "hostile to" or "hostile towards"?

Both "hostile to" and "hostile towards" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, though "hostile towards" may slightly emphasize the direction of the hostility.