opposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opposes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something is against or in conflict with another person, idea, or action. Example: "The environmental group opposes the construction of the new highway due to its potential impact on wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has consistently said that the decision to change the Liberal party's stance on same-sex marriage, which he opposes, would come from the party room.

The Guardian

A fair society is not only open and free, it is also one that rejects huge inequalities of income and wealth, opposes coercion of the powerless, and believes in the common good.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Israel's prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu was fiercely critical, telling Obama that his country "vehemently opposes" the deal.

The Guardian

But most of the crossbench opposes the plan, and during the last sitting weeks four of them voted for a motion moved by Greens senator Rachel Siewert saying it should be blocked.

The Guardian

McConnell also opposes the USA Freedom Act, but for opposite reasons: McConnell wants to keep all post-9/11 government surveillance powers, while Paul seeks to end them.

The Guardian

Thus Ukip supports a Yes vote and the BNP opposes it, both panacea parties with nasty tendencies, fundamentally unserious: their policies don't stack up.

The Guardian

The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, reiterated her support for Jean-Claude Juncker as the European commission's next head on Thursday, but indicated a willingness to consider concessions to Britain, which opposes him.

The Guardian

Netanyahu told Obama that Israel "vehemently opposes" the framework deal.

The Guardian

For that and other reasons, a coalition led by the National Women's Health Network opposes approval of the drug.

The Guardian

Time and again it opposes the decisions of our government and judgments of our courts.

The Guardian

Labour opposes the coalition's plans for floating most of Royal Mail on the stock market, and Ian Murray, the shadow postal affairs minister, is attempting a last-minute bid to halt the privatisation with a vote in parliament.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "disagrees with" or "objects to" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "opposes" when a milder term like "questions" or "doubts" is more appropriate. "Opposes" implies a firm and often active disagreement, so ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "opposes" is that of a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form. It indicates an action performed by a subject expressing disagreement or resistance toward something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a standard and correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "opposes" is a commonly used verb that expresses disagreement or resistance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is particularly frequent in news and media contexts, often used to describe political or social stances. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure its strength aligns with the intended meaning, avoiding overuse in situations where milder terms would suffice. Considering alternatives like "is against" or "disagrees with" can enhance writing precision and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is against

Replaces the verb "opposes" with a more direct and simpler phrasing.

disagrees with

Emphasizes a difference in opinion rather than direct opposition.

is in opposition to

Formal phrasing indicating a position of antagonism.

objects to

Highlights the act of raising an objection or protest.

resists

Focuses on active resistance or prevention.

fights against

Suggests a more active and potentially contentious form of opposition.

is averse to

Indicates a strong dislike or unwillingness towards something.

is not in favor of

A more neutral and less confrontational way of expressing disagreement.

dissents from

Implies a formal disagreement or deviation from an official position.

challenges

Highlights the act of questioning or disputing something.

FAQs

How do I use "opposes" in a sentence?

The verb "opposes" indicates disagreement or resistance. For example, "The senator opposes the new bill". It is used to show someone or something is against an idea, plan, or action.

What can I say instead of "opposes"?

You can use alternatives like "is against", "disagrees with", or "objects to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he opposes to" something?

No, the correct usage is "he opposes" something, without the preposition "to". The verb "oppose" directly takes the object of opposition.

What's the difference between "opposes" and "objects to"?

"Opposes" generally indicates a stronger, more fundamental disagreement, while "objects to" might refer to specific points or aspects within a broader agreement.