made many enemies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made many enemies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone has caused conflict or animosity with multiple individuals or groups. Example: "His controversial decisions in office made many enemies among his constituents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, he also made many enemies.

Britannica

He made many enemies, and fewer friends.

The New York Times

Mr Garzón has made many enemies.

The Economist

But he also made many enemies.

The New York Times

And in doing so, he made many enemies.

Cornell University

In his long career, Garzón has made many enemies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Geagea, while revered by his followers, has made many enemies over the decades.

The New York Times

Mr. Garzón is a fearless and controversial prosecutor who has made many enemies over the years.

The New York Times

Its wealthy Kurdish founder, Sheik Muhammad al-Kasnazani al-Kasnazani, has made many enemies.

The New York Times

Like Socrates, his hero, he made many enemies because of his teachings.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He has made many enemies over the years, switching allegiances repeatedly to remain in power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's actions that led to them having "made many enemies", provide context about the nature of those actions and the reasons for the animosity. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "made many enemies" hyperbolically. Ensure that the claim is supported by evidence of widespread opposition or documented conflicts; otherwise, it can weaken your argument or credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made many enemies" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the result of someone's actions or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "made many enemies" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the consequence of actions that create widespread opposition or animosity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While alternatives like "created numerous adversaries" or "gained a lot of foes" exist, this phrase effectively conveys the idea of having generated substantial ill will. When using it, ensure to provide context and avoid exaggeration to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

created numerous adversaries

Focuses on the act of creating adversaries, emphasizing a more active role.

gained a lot of foes

Highlights the acquisition of foes, suggesting a gradual accumulation of opposition.

antagonized many people

Emphasizes the act of causing antagonism or hostility in others.

stirred up animosity

Highlights the creation of widespread animosity or ill feeling.

provoked widespread opposition

Focuses on provoking a broad and extensive negative reaction.

incurred the wrath of many

Suggests a more severe and intense form of opposition or anger.

earned the dislike of many

Focuses on earning the aversion or disapproval of a large group.

fostered animosity

Highlights the role in encouraging and developing hostile relationships.

found themselves widely opposed

Emphasizes the state of being opposed by many, often unexpectedly.

invited hostility

Suggests that the actions taken actively encouraged a negative reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "made many enemies" in a sentence?

You can use "made many enemies" to describe someone whose actions have caused widespread animosity. For example: "His controversial policies "made many enemies" during his term."

What's a more formal alternative to "made many enemies"?

A more formal alternative could be "created numerous adversaries" or "antagonized many individuals". These options offer a similar meaning with a slightly elevated tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "make many enemies" instead of "made many enemies"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "Make many enemies" is present tense, implying a current or habitual action. "Made many enemies" is past tense, describing an action that has already occurred.

Which is correct, "made many enemies" or "made a lot of enemies"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Made many enemies" is generally considered more concise and impactful, while "made a lot of enemies" is slightly more informal.