make the opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make the opposite" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express the idea of creating something that is contrary to another thing, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "If you want to challenge the idea, you should make the opposite of what was proposed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A lesbian in Berlin who wanted to marry might make the opposite move: the Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

The New Yorker

I would actually make the opposite case.

The New Yorker

The authors say it is possible to make the opposite argument and find indirect costs.

The Economist

More often we make the opposite mistake: overestimating the amount of control we have over life.

The New York Times - Books

In 2009, Samoans, instructed to make the opposite change, feared catastrophe.

The Guardian - Opinion

These days, opponents of that protocol make the opposite argument of the one Dr. Gray feared.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama will need all his oratorical power to make the opposite case.

The New York Times

Put 'em back in the box, give it another rattle, and you can make the opposite point.

The Guardian

It's more common, though, to make the opposite mistake, exercise physiologists say, greatly overestimating the number of calories you used.

The New York Times - Health

"You could make the opposite case -- that 9/11 made people more anxious and prone to substance abuse".

The New York Times

Some foreign reporters, including Anthony Shadid of The New York Times, have managed to make the opposite journey, sneaking into Syria to cover the uprising in person.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider pairing "make the opposite" with specific examples or explanations of the contrasted elements.

Common error

Avoid using "make the opposite" without specifying what is being contrasted. This can lead to ambiguity and confuse the reader. Always provide clear context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make the opposite" functions as a verb phrase, often used to introduce a contrasting argument, action, or idea. It indicates a deliberate attempt to present or create something that is in direct opposition to what has been previously stated or done. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it appears across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make the opposite" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to highlight contrasts and present opposing ideas. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally accepted, it's crucial to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "present the contrary" or "argue the contrary" can be used depending on the intended nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "make the opposite" to enhance clarity and impact in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present the contrary

Focuses on presenting an opposing argument or viewpoint.

offer the reverse

Highlights offering a reversed perspective or action.

argue the contrary

Emphasizes arguing against a specific point.

demonstrate the inverse

Focuses on showing an inverted relationship or outcome.

posit the antithesis

Highlights positing something that is the direct opposite.

advance an opposing argument

Focuses on promoting a conflicting viewpoint.

construct the reverse

Emphasizes building or creating something in reverse.

propose an alternative

Highlights suggesting a different option.

formulate a counter-argument

Focuses on crafting an argument in response.

establish the converse

Emphasizes establishing a reversed statement or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "make the opposite" in a sentence?

You can use "make the opposite" to indicate that someone is arguing, creating, or suggesting something that is contrary to a previous statement or action. For example, "He claimed it would rain, but I decided to "make the opposite" claim and say it would be sunny."

What are some alternatives to saying "make the opposite"?

Alternatives include phrases like "present the contrary", "offer the reverse", or "argue the contrary", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "make the opposite"?

Yes, "make the opposite" is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts to indicate a contrasting action or statement.

What's the difference between "make the opposite" and "do the opposite"?

"Make the opposite" typically implies creating an opposing argument or statement, while "do the opposite" suggests performing an action that is the reverse of what was previously done. The choice depends on whether you're referring to ideas or actions.