in opposition to each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in opposition to each other" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to two entities that are opposing or working against each other. For example: "The two countries have been in opposition to each other for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Things happened in opposition to each other.

The New York Times - Arts

Their goals cannot always be in opposition to each other.

The New York Times

The methods of ethnography and cognitive psychology are frequently set in opposition to each other.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

"It was like all the body parts were working in opposition to each other," Pfrangle remembered.

The New Yorker

The identities of the Labour and Conservative parties were largely forged in opposition to each other.

The Guardian

Conversely, a negative correlation indicates that the two components generally act in opposition to each other.

Nature

Surely these aims are complementary, not in opposition to each other".

Independent

Is it possible that Islam and Europe aren't in opposition to each other after all?

The Economist

It is found that these two effects are sometimes in opposition to each other, and the latter is dominant in a system undergoing aggregation but not nucleation.

Chemical Engineering Science

Sub-parts of the hand acting in opposition to each other are viewed as a basis from which grasps are formed.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

"Do you think good and evil can only be defined in opposition to each other?" he asks his year 11s.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in opposition to each other", ensure the subjects being compared are clearly defined. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity about who or what is in conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "in opposition to each other" when referring to a single entity or concept. The phrase requires at least two distinct subjects to be valid. For example, instead of saying "The project was in opposition to each other", specify the other project or goal it opposed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in opposition to each other" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating a state of conflict or antagonism between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. This is supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in opposition to each other" effectively conveys conflict or contrast between entities. Grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears across diverse contexts ranging from news and media to academic research. When using the expression, ensure clear subjects to avoid ambiguity. For alternatives, consider "at odds with one another" or "diametrically opposed", depending on the desired nuance. The phrase is appropriate for neutral settings, making it versatile for both formal and informal communication. With a rich presence in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times, its reliability in language use is substantiated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at odds with one another

Replaces "in opposition to each other" with a phrase emphasizing disagreement and conflict.

in conflict with each other

Substitutes "opposition" with "conflict", highlighting active disagreement.

antagonistic towards each other

Uses "antagonistic" to underscore a hostile relationship.

diametrically opposed

Emphasizes a complete and direct contrast or contradiction.

working against one another

Focuses on the action of actively hindering or obstructing each other.

counter to one another

Suggests a relationship of direct contradiction or prevention.

mutually exclusive

Highlights the impossibility of both entities coexisting or being true simultaneously.

at loggerheads

Emphasizes a state of prolonged and often bitter disagreement.

on opposing sides

Highlights the division of entities into separate and conflicting groups.

in disagreement

Offers a milder alternative, simply indicating a lack of consensus or accord.

FAQs

How can I use "in opposition to each other" in a sentence?

Use "in opposition to each other" to describe two or more entities that are working against or conflicting with one another. For example: "The two political parties are often "at odds with one another" on key policy issues".

What's a more formal way to say "in opposition to each other"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "diametrically opposed" or "antagonistic towards each other" to convey a similar meaning with a heightened sense of formality.

Which is correct: "in opposition to each other" or "in opposition with each other"?

"In opposition to each other" is the correct and more commonly used form. "In opposition with each other" is less frequent and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "in opposition to each other" and "in conflict with each other"?

While both phrases indicate disagreement, "in opposition to each other" suggests a more fundamental or ideological difference, whereas "in conflict with each other" implies an active struggle or clash.