hostility to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostility to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or antagonistic attitude towards someone or something. Example: "The hostility to new policies among the staff was evident during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The hostility to outsiders.

The New York Times - Books

The official hostility to journalists is palpable.

The New York Times

Hence the growing hostility to immigration.

The Guardian - Opinion

I've no hostility to digital.

The Guardian - Books

Their stronger feeling was hostility to Mr Obama.

The Economist

Do you encounter hostility to that message?

The Guardian

Nor the overt hostility to perceived lefties.

The Guardian - Film

Hostility to the audience is a mistake.

The Guardian

The Conservatives now look very isolated in their hostility to unions and hostility to workplace rights".

The Guardian

Hostility to government, rather than its exaltation, is their hallmark.

The Economist

There is plenty of popular hostility to privatisation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hostility to", ensure the object of hostility is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "hostility to the proposed reforms" rather than just "hostility".

Common error

Avoid using "hostility to" in overly broad contexts. For example, saying "there is hostility to everything" lacks specificity and weakens the statement. Instead, identify the specific subjects or ideas that are being met with hostility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostility to" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a state of opposition or antagonism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hostility to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express antagonism or opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its broad applicability makes it suitable for various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the object of hostility and avoiding overgeneralizations. While alternatives like "antipathy towards" or "opposition against" exist, they carry slightly different connotations. Knowing the nuances of "hostility to" is critical for accurate and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

antipathy towards

Emphasizes a deep-seated feeling of aversion or dislike.

opposition against

Focuses on direct resistance or disagreement.

antagonism towards

Highlights active opposition and conflict.

resistance to

Highlights the act of opposing or preventing something.

aversion towards

Shifts from active antagonism to a feeling of strong dislike.

disapproval of

Emphasizes a negative judgment or lack of support.

resentment of

Focuses on a feeling of bitterness and indignation.

dislike for

Indicates a general feeling of not liking something.

negative attitude toward

More general, encompassing any negative feeling or opinion.

disinclination for

Suggests a lack of willingness or enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "hostility to" in a sentence?

You can use "hostility to" to describe opposition or antagonism towards something. For example, "There is growing "hostility to" the new regulations among small business owners."

What are some alternatives to "hostility to"?

Alternatives to "hostility to" include "antipathy towards", "opposition against", or "aversion towards", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "hostility to" or "hostility towards"?

"Hostility to" and "hostility towards" are both grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, though "hostility to" is slightly more concise.

What's the difference between "hostility to" and "animosity towards"?

"Hostility to" and "animosity towards" both describe negative feelings, but "animosity" suggests a more deep-seated and personal antagonism than simple "hostility".