lots of enemies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lots of enemies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone has many adversaries or opponents, often in a figurative sense. Example: "In the world of politics, making controversial decisions can lead to having lots of enemies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

He made lots of enemies in his six years in the House.

The Economist

We would rather believe it is Hope's ability to make and influence lots of enemies, including Francis L. Sullivan.

The New York Times

The last sequence is an especially striking example of vast vistas, big explosions and lots of enemies.

The New York Times

"Since Hajji Zareen was an old mujahedeen commander in Kunar Province, he may have harassed lots of people and made lots of enemies for himself," Mr. Mujahid said.

The New York Times

So long as you are all right, firmly in your saddle your horse in hand, and well armed, lots of enemies will give you a wide berth.

The New Yorker

No wonder he misses Mr Mandelson, the arch-manipulator who made lots of enemies but helped to give Blairism a sense of direction.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In that regard, Mr. Klein and Mr. Bloomberg differ sharply with Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, who made a lot of enemies by pushing vouchers.

The New York Times

He had a lot of enemies.

Independent

The Underwoods have a lot of enemies.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"They've got a lot of enemies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Joffrey left a lot of enemies.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about figures or entities that are known to be controversial, using the phrase "lots of enemies" is a concise way to communicate the extent of their opposition without delving into specific details. It can also serve as a starting point for further exploration.

Common error

While "lots of enemies" is perfectly acceptable, be mindful of your audience. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "numerous adversaries" or "many opponents" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lots of enemies" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'made lots of enemies') or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lots of enemies" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where someone faces significant opposition. Ludwig AI validates its usability, and it appears frequently in news and media contexts. While versatile, writers should consider the formality of the context and choose synonyms like "numerous adversaries" for more formal settings. The phrase effectively conveys the extent of opposition without requiring specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many adversaries

Focuses on the number of opponents, emphasizing a formal and strategic context.

numerous opponents

Highlights the abundance of adversaries, suitable for both formal and informal situations.

a host of rivals

Implies a large group of competitors or adversaries, often in a business or competitive setting.

a great number of antagonists

Emphasizes the active opposition, suggesting a more dramatic or conflict-driven scenario.

multiple detractors

Focuses on those who actively criticize or undermine, often in a public or professional context.

several challengers

Suggests a competitive environment where numerous individuals or groups are vying for the same goal.

plenty of adversaries

Indicates an ample supply of opponents, highlighting the extent of the opposition.

a sea of detractors

Implies a vast and overwhelming number of critics or opponents.

an army of foes

Suggests a formidable and organized opposition, often in a combative or strategic context.

a multitude of adversaries

Highlights the large quantity of opponents, emphasizing the complexity of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "lots of enemies" in a sentence?

You can use "lots of enemies" to describe someone who has many opponents or adversaries. For example, "The politician made "a lot of enemies" during his controversial term in office".

What are some alternatives to saying "lots of enemies"?

Alternatives include "many adversaries", "numerous opponents", or "a host of rivals", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a lot of enemies" or "lots of enemies"?

Both "a lot of enemies" and "lots of enemies" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on personal preference and the rhythm of the sentence.

When should I avoid using the phrase "lots of enemies"?

While widely understood, "lots of enemies" might sound informal in some contexts. For formal or academic writing, consider more sophisticated synonyms such as "numerous adversaries" or "a multitude of antagonists".