opposing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "opposing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe two views that are opposite in opinion or direction. For example: The two political parties had opposing views on the proposed tax reform.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He added that he was "pretty much in solidarity with most people on the planet" in opposing war in Iraq.

The Guardian

And he said not once was he hassled at opposing arenas for his sexuality.

The Guardian - Sport

We are fully committed to opposing it and the victimisation of Candy, who has done nothing more than stand up for her colleagues and try to hold her employer to account.

The Guardian - Arts

The letter, released under the Freedom of Information Act, concluded: "Scargill could immediately announce that the NUM will continue its policy of opposing the closure of pits for economic reasons".

The Guardian

Immigration has fuelled political and public debate, as opposing views on unrestricted migration within Europe put Britain's future in the EU under the spotlight, so why not explore this subject by looking at the news?

The Guardian

This has been seized upon by Fianna Fáil as evidence that their rivals have opposing and contradictory tax policies.

The Guardian

Sinn Féin has faced criticism from its opponents in the Irish Republic for opposing austerity measures there while seemingly being prepared to implement similar measures in Northern Ireland.

The Guardian

His judgment on the Iraq war was outstandingly good, opposing the entire political establishment and getting it right, and he got the reward for that at the election that followed when he achieved the greatest number of Liberal Democrat MPs than any before him.

The Guardian

"Moreover, opposing the popular will contradicts the spirit of democratic option that calls for compliance with what the majority decides".

The Guardian - Opinion

Next, the voiceover guy tells us: "We can no longer afford the continuing dysfunction of opposing partisan rancor.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Coalition's policy is to reintroduce the ABCC as a "tough cop on the beat" but the government faces a roadblock in the Senate with Labor and the Greens opposing the move.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opposing", ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being opposed to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "opposing views", specify "opposing views on immigration".

Common error

Avoid using "opposing" without providing context about what is being opposed. This can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Always clarify the subject of opposition.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "opposing" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a state of disagreement, resistance, or contrast. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples where "opposing" describes entities with conflicting views or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opposing" functions primarily as an adjective to denote conflict, disagreement, or contrast, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. Ensure clear communication by specifying what exactly is being opposed. Alternatives such as "conflicting", "adverse", or "antagonistic" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By following best practices, you can effectively use "opposing" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting

Indicates a direct clash or incompatibility between two things.

adverse

Suggests unfavorable or harmful conditions that work against something.

antagonistic

Implies active hostility or opposition.

resistant

Highlights the act of withstanding or fighting against something.

contrary

Emphasizes disagreement or a tendency to oppose.

dissenting

Focuses on expressing disagreement, particularly in a formal setting.

incompatible

Highlights the inability of two things to coexist harmoniously.

rival

Denotes competition and opposition, often in a strategic or adversarial context.

counter

Suggests an action taken to neutralize or negate the effect of another action.

at odds

Indicates a state of disagreement or conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "opposing" in a sentence?

You can use "opposing" to describe different viewpoints or forces, such as "The two candidates have "opposing views" on healthcare" or "The "opposing armies" faced each other across the battlefield".

What are some alternatives to "opposing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "conflicting", "adverse", or "antagonistic" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to specify what is being opposed when using "opposing"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what is being opposed enhances clarity and prevents potential misinterpretations. For example, saying "opposing the new policy" is clearer than simply saying "opposing".

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

"Opposing" implies an active disagreement or resistance, while "opposite" simply indicates a contrasting position or direction. For instance, "opposing viewpoints" suggests active disagreement, whereas "opposite sides" indicates spatial contrast.