is used against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is used against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is employed in opposition or as a means of attack towards someone or something. Example: "The evidence presented in court is used against the defendant to prove their guilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our history is used against us; our patients pay the price again.

The Guardian - Opinion

We pretend to make evidence-based policy, but suspect that evidence is used against us by those who operate the policy machine.

The Guardian

But violence is used against me.

The New Yorker

"If it is used against America, it has no survivability.

The New York Times

If it is used against China's neighbors, it's a sign of bullying".

The New York Times

"There is only live ammunition that is used against peaceful protesters".

The New York Times

Prison is wrong and oppressive in these films, even when it is used against people who aren't law-abiding.

The Guardian - Film

It is used against hard-to-treat bacteria that resist one of the last lines of defence, antibiotics called carbapenems.

The Guardian

"They are not retaliating when violence is used against them because there is a shift of consciousness.

The New York Times

Perhaps because Western democratic governments have exercised dominant control over new broadcasting media, they are particularly upset when this technology is used against them.

The New York Times - Arts

MNF-I rules of engagement (ROE) permit forces to respond to situations in which deadly force is used against unarmed persons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is used against", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what is being used and who or what it is being used against.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple passive constructions. Overusing "is used against" in conjunction with other passive verbs can lead to convoluted and difficult-to-understand sentences. Break down the sentence and use active voice where possible.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is used against" is to form a passive construction, indicating that the subject receives the action rather than performing it. This construction is used to describe a situation where something is employed as a tool, weapon, or method of opposition. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is used against" functions as a grammatically sound passive construction, widely employed across diverse contexts to convey opposition or defensive actions. Ludwig confirms its validity. Its versatility extends from formal scientific literature to everyday news reporting. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount to prevent ambiguity; ensure the subject, action, and target are distinctly defined. While common, avoiding overuse of passive constructions will enhance writing conciseness. "Is used against" demonstrates the versatility of the English language in expressing complex relationships of opposition and defense. The frequency of the phrase is high across various domains, making its understanding crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is employed against

Replaces "used" with a more formal synonym, "employed".

is utilized against

Substitutes "used" with "utilized", suggesting a more efficient or strategic application.

is deployed against

Implies a more strategic or militaristic application of something against an opponent.

is directed against

Focuses on the target of the action, emphasizing the intention behind the use.

is leveraged against

Highlights the exploitation of something to gain an advantage against someone or something.

is wielded against

Suggests a forceful or skillful application of something against an adversary.

is turned against

Indicates a reversal where something initially intended for one purpose is now being used against it.

is implemented against

Replaces 'used' to mean put into effect for a specific purpose, which in this case is "against" something.

is administered against

Suggests the use of a substance or treatment against a disease or ailment.

is exercised against

Emphasizes the application of power or authority against someone or something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is used against" to sound more formal?

You can opt for more formal alternatives like "is employed against" or "is utilized against" to elevate the tone.

What does "is used against" imply in a sentence?

It generally indicates that something is being employed in opposition, detriment, or as a defense against another entity or concept. The implication depends heavily on the context of the sentence.

Is it correct to use "is used against" in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal synonyms might be preferable in highly professional settings.

What are some common situations where the phrase "is used against" might appear?

You'll often find it in discussions about legal proceedings (evidence "is used against" a defendant), warfare (weapons "is used against" an enemy), or even in metaphorical contexts (arguments "is used against" a position).