make against

USAGE SUMMARY

"make against" is not a correct or usable phrase in written English.
When used together, there is no single definition or meaning for the phrase. If you were trying to express the idea of taking a stance against someone or something, you could use the phrase "take a stand against." For example, "The citizens of the town took a stand against the new law."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What shape should a monument make against the sky?

The Guardian - Arts

What argument do some environmentalists make against disaster aid? k.

The New York Times

What arguments do conservative Muslims make against democracy?

The New York Times

WHAT argument did Republicans make against affirmative action in the 1990s?

The New York Times

But it is otherwise as serious an allegation as anyone could make against a professional sportsman".

Independent

But this is an especially tough case to make against Lay.

The New Yorker

There are consistent themes among the complaints that sick and disabled people make against Atos.

The Guardian

"They amount to just about the worst allegations anyone can make against another person".

The Guardian

In the end Turnbull himself named the real charge Labor was trying to make against him.

The Guardian

Arena would not say today what lineup changes he might make against Poland.

The New York Times - Sports

Banks will have to increase the provisions they make against some loans from 2% to at least 20%.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Although frequently used, consider replacing "make against" with more grammatically sound alternatives like "argue against" or "work against" to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "make against" when you intend to convey a specific action against something. Instead, choose a verb that accurately reflects your intended meaning, such as "oppose", "counteract", or "challenge".

Linguistic Context

Though frequently used, "make against" functions as a verb phrase to indicate opposition or contradiction. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect, suggesting the need for more precise verb choices. Its primary function is to express actions that counter or challenge something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "make against" appears frequently, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect, suggesting careful consideration when using it. Although common in news and media, and to a lesser extent in scientific and formal contexts, its lack of grammatical correctness undermines its effectiveness. It functions as a verb phrase indicating opposition or contradiction, but clearer alternatives like "argue against", "work against", or "make a case against" offer greater precision and grammatical soundness. Therefore, while "make against" is relatively frequent, writers should opt for more accurate and grammatically correct alternatives to ensure clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a case against

Specifies the action of building an argument or presenting reasons to oppose something, adding a formal or legalistic tone.

work against

Emphasizes the act of hindering or impeding something, rather than a direct confrontation.

act in opposition to

Indicates behavior that is contrary or resistant to something, specifying an active role.

argue against

Focuses on presenting reasons or evidence to oppose something, rather than a general action.

oppose

Indicates a stance of disagreement or resistance, without specifying the method of opposition.

contradict

Emphasizes direct opposition in words or actions, lacking the implication of active effort.

counteract

Highlights the action of neutralizing or diminishing the effect of something, implying a direct opposing force.

rebut

Highlights the act of providing evidence or arguments to disprove something, implying a formal response.

dispute

Focuses on questioning or challenging the validity of something, rather than a direct action against it.

challenge

Emphasizes the act of questioning or contesting something, often implying a call to action or further debate.

FAQs

What does "make against" mean?

While "make against" is used in various contexts, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect and without a consistent meaning. Depending on the intended meaning, alternatives like "argue against" or "work against" might be more suitable.

How can I avoid using "make against" in my writing?

To avoid using "make against", identify the specific action you want to describe and choose a verb that accurately conveys that meaning. For example, use "oppose" to express disagreement or "counteract" to indicate neutralizing an effect.

What are some alternatives to "make against" in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, instead of "make against", consider using phrases like "make a case against" to indicate presenting arguments in opposition or "lodge against" to signify filing a formal complaint or charge.

Is "make against" considered formal or informal?

Given that "make against" is flagged as grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI, it should be avoided in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives regardless of the context.