is an enemy of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is an enemy of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, group, or entity that opposes or is hostile towards another. Example: "In the political arena, he is an enemy of corruption and fights tirelessly against it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Is there any person you can name that you believe is an enemy of the people?

Huffington Post

"An enemy of wildlife is an enemy of the people," said Rob Moffett, an executive with Wilderness Safaris, a company in Namibia.

The New York Times

"This is an enemy of the country.

The New York Times

Ondaatje is an enemy of the linear.

The New Yorker

Who is an enemy of harmony?

The Guardian - Books

He is an enemy of us Sindhis".

The New York Times

Snooping is an enemy of style.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Hamas is an enemy of peace," Mr. Netanyahu said.

The New York Times

"He is an enemy of whom?" she asked.

The New Yorker

And he is an enemy of the very idea of public education.

The New Yorker

She is an enemy of alcohol, and is an old political colleague of Premier Schuman.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is an enemy of" to clearly and directly express opposition or antagonism towards a specific entity or concept. Ensure the context makes it clear who or what is being opposed.

Common error

Avoid using "is an enemy of" when a milder form of disagreement or dislike is intended. Reserve it for situations where there is a genuine sense of hostility or opposition, as overuse can weaken its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is an enemy of" functions as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that identifies or describes it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a strong sense of opposition or hostility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is an enemy of" is a common expression used to denote strong opposition or hostility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While it can be used formally, it's important to consider the intensity of the phrase and ensure it aligns with the intended tone. Alternatives like "is opposed to" or "is hostile to" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Remembering to reserve this expression for genuine conflicts ensures its impact is not diluted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is hostile to

This alternative suggests active animosity or aggression.

is opposed to

This alternative indicates disagreement or resistance.

is antagonistic toward

This alternative implies a mutual opposition or conflict.

is in conflict with

This alternative suggests a state of active struggle or disagreement.

is averse to

This alternative expresses a strong dislike or disinclination.

is detrimental to

This alternative focuses on causing harm or damage.

is a foe of

This alternative provides a more archaic or literary feel.

is an adversary of

This alternative implies a more formal or competitive opposition.

is at odds with

This alternative suggests a state of disagreement or tension.

is destructive to

This alternative emphasizes causing destruction or ruin.

FAQs

How can I use "is an enemy of" in a sentence?

You can use "is an enemy of" to describe something or someone that opposes or is hostile towards something else. For instance, "Corruption "is an enemy of" good governance."

What are some alternatives to "is an enemy of"?

Alternatives include "is opposed to", "is hostile to", or "is antagonistic towards", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is an enemy of" in formal writing?

Yes, "is an enemy of" can be used in formal writing, particularly when expressing strong opposition. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the tone.

What's the difference between "is an enemy of" and "is against"?

"Is against" is a more general and often milder way of expressing opposition. "Is an enemy of" implies a stronger, more active hostility or conflict. For example, someone might be "against" a certain policy, but "is an enemy of" a particular regime.