on opposing sides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on opposing sides" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two parties, groups, or individuals that have conflicting views or positions on a particular issue. Example: "During the debate, the candidates stood on opposing sides of the issue, each presenting their arguments passionately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

If the space feels too busy, divert the attention with eye-catching prints fastened on opposing sides of the shelves.

Huffington Post

But they are on opposing sides.

Independent

The youths lived on opposing sides of the riven community.

The Guardian

Eventually Ahmed and Magdy find themselves on opposing sides.

The Guardian

The two men are on opposing sides of nearly every professional action they take.

The New York Times

What's more, the two medical groups increasingly found themselves on opposing sides of important antidiscrimination battles.

The New York Times

They played rugby on opposing sides, with Johnson representing Balliol College.

The Guardian

Inevitably the brothers end up pitted against each other on opposing sides during the war.

The Guardian - Books

Portraits of two brothers from Maine who fought on opposing sides in the Civil War.

The New York Times - Arts

High-profile backers have been deployed on opposing sides in recent days.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The repeating unit of the fiber is a tetranucleosome with two stacked nucleosomes on opposing sides of the superhelix.

Chemical Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on opposing sides", ensure it's clear what the 'sides' represent – clarify the context of the conflict or difference to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because individuals are "on opposing sides" on one issue, they are automatically adversaries in all aspects. Recognize the potential for agreement or cooperation on other matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on opposing sides" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It describes the state of being in conflict or disagreement, often used to indicate contrasting positions or viewpoints. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on opposing sides" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase. It's grammatically sound, according to Ludwig AI, and serves to highlight conflict, disagreement, or contrast between entities. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of clarifying the context to avoid ambiguity and recognize that opposing views on one issue do not necessarily equate to overall animosity. Remember that you can use alternatives like "in conflict with each other" or "holding opposing views".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in disagreement

Directly states the lack of agreement, simplifying the concept.

holding opposing views

Highlights the act of holding conflicting beliefs, changing the emphasis from position to belief.

in opposition

Highlights the act of opposing, differing from the static positioning implied by "sides".

with contrasting viewpoints

Focuses on the difference in perspectives, moving away from the imagery of "sides".

in conflict with each other

Focuses on the state of being in conflict, rather than the spatial or metaphorical arrangement of being on sides.

on opposite ends of the spectrum

Uses a different metaphor to illustrate contrast, focusing on a scale rather than distinct sides.

at loggerheads

Implies a state of strong disagreement or dispute, adding a more adversarial tone.

locked in a dispute

Conveys a sense of being stuck in conflict, suggesting difficulty in resolution.

antagonistic to each other

Emphasizes the hostility or active dislike between the parties.

contending parties

Focuses on the act of contending or competing, rather than the static arrangement of "sides".

FAQs

How can I use "on opposing sides" in a sentence?

The phrase "on opposing sides" indicates that two or more parties are in conflict or disagreement. For example, "The lawyers were "on opposing sides" during the trial".

What can I say instead of "on opposing sides"?

Alternatives include "in opposition", "in conflict", or "at odds" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "on opposing side" instead of "on opposing sides"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct phrase is "on opposing sides", as it typically refers to two or more distinct groups or viewpoints.

What's the difference between "on opposing sides" and "on opposite sides"?

"On opposing sides" usually refers to a conflict of ideas or interests, while "on opposite sides" can refer to physical locations or viewpoints. While sometimes interchangeable, "on opposing sides" often carries a stronger connotation of antagonism.