nominal opposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nominal opposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions related to linguistics, philosophy, or logic, particularly when referring to a type of opposition that is expressed through names or labels rather than through direct conflict or contradiction. Example: "In the study of semantics, nominal opposition can help clarify the distinctions between similar concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Mr. Corzine spent more than $5 million in the primary, where he faced nominal opposition.

The New York Times

Assemblyman Vito J. Lopez, who was censured in August after he was accused of sexual harassment, faced only nominal opposition.

The New York Times

Even nominal opposition figures, like the billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, the owner of the Brooklyn Nets, consulted with Mr. Surkov.

The New York Times

Most recently, in 2004, against nominal opposition, Mr. Spratt won 63percentt of the vote, more than President Bush drew in the district.

The New York Times

The nominal opposition party, Islah, a conservative mishmash of Islamists and tribesmen, saw which way the wind was blowing and nominated Mr Saleh before his own party did.

The Economist

As a result, Ms. Holbrook said, Mr. Hansen, an 11-term congressman, might have one of his toughest races, and Mr. Cannon, who was first elected in 1996, might actually have more than nominal opposition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, former Chicago Urban League CEO Andrea Zopp and state Sen. Napoleon Harris of Harvey are competing for the Democratic primary nomination to take on Kirk, who faces nominal primary opposition.

Los Angeles Times

Yet so long as Mr. Kerry faces even nominal intramural opposition, President Bush's advisers worry that they will have a harder time getting equal attention for their political message, and Mr. Kerry's rivals seem to keep undercutting each other, not him.

The New York Times

Grimes, Kentucky's Democratic Secretary of State, rolled to victory over nominal primary opposition.

Huffington Post

He was re-elected three times from this district against only nominal Democratic opposition.

Wikipedia

He's seeking a second term in the Senate against nominal primary opposition and already is considered to be among the most politically vulnerable Republicans in the country even before the prospect of a Trump nomination.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nominal opposition" when you want to emphasize that the opposition is more symbolic than real. It's useful for pointing out a lack of serious challenge or competition.

Common error

Avoid using "nominal opposition" when the opposing force is genuinely strong or presents a significant challenge. Using it inaccurately can mislead your audience about the true nature of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nominal opposition" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the state of having an opponent or opposing force that is not substantial or effective, often existing in name only. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nominal opposition" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation where an opposing force is weak, insignificant, or exists in name only. Ludwig's analysis, along with numerous examples, indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, commonly used in news and media contexts, and serves to downplay the strength of the opposition. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone and is frequently found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist. While semantically similar phrases like "token resistance" and "weak opposition" exist, "nominal opposition" is particularly useful when emphasizing that the opposition is more symbolic than a genuine threat. As per Ludwig, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

token resistance

Emphasizes the symbolic nature of the opposition, highlighting its lack of real impact.

weak opposition

Highlights the feebleness and ineffectiveness of the opposing side.

insignificant challenge

Focuses on the small scale and unimportance of the opposing force.

minimal resistance

Indicates a very low level of opposition or struggle.

largely unopposed

Highlights the absence of significant opposition.

perfunctory dissent

Highlights how the opposition is made only as a matter of duty or routine, without sincerity or real interest.

symbolic objection

Emphasizes that the opposition is merely a symbol without tangible effect.

easily overcome

Underscores the ease with which the opposition is defeated.

paper opposition

Highlights how the opposition exists only on paper, without any real power.

feigned resistance

Indicates that the opposition is not genuine or sincere.

FAQs

How to use "nominal opposition" in a sentence?

You can use "nominal opposition" to describe a situation where an opposing force is weak or symbolic, such as "The candidate faced only "nominal opposition" in the primary election".

What does "nominal opposition" mean?

"Nominal opposition" refers to a situation where the opposing force is weak, insignificant, or exists only in name. It suggests a lack of real or substantial challenge.

What are some synonyms for "nominal opposition"?

Synonyms for "nominal opposition" include "token resistance", "weak opposition", and "insignificant challenge".

When is it appropriate to use the term "nominal opposition"?

It is appropriate to use "nominal opposition" when you want to downplay the strength or significance of an opposing force, indicating that it poses little to no real threat or challenge.