opposing elements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opposing elements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe components or factors that are in conflict or contrast with each other. Example: "The artwork beautifully captures the tension between opposing elements, such as light and dark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mr. Prentice's best work depends on the balance of opposing elements.

The New York Times - Arts

All marriages, she says, "are mixed marriages", and one of her favourite narrative ploys is to put two opposing elements – usually a prissily fastidious man and a scatty, demonstrative woman – together and chart the reaction as minutely as a chemist.

The Guardian - Books

A strong case can be made for viewing such keys as more abstract representations of Porphyrian trees where brackets serve as "branches" of the "tree" and the binary oppositions are supplanted by a multitude of opposing elements in the system.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Unlike Vattimo's project of constructing meaning to overcome historical differences, Perniola's concept of transit into the space of difference is one of "art" in the sense of artifice or technique, and is not aimed at a synthesis or unification of opposing elements.

SEP

From the vibrating line extending the entire length of the upper part of the boat, and from its now being more tight than a harpstring, you would have thought the craft had two keels - one cleaving the water, the other the air - as the boat churned on through both opposing elements at once.

BBC

Those juxtapositions, contradictions, dualities, and opposing elements fuel my work greatly.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

His balancing of ostensibly opposed elements starts with his appearance.

The New York Times

We want to understand how it is that in Picasso's hands, representation and abstraction, Apollonian calm and Dionysian fever, become not freestanding possibilities but the constantly opposed elements in a single personality.

The New York Times - Books

The former executives said that Andersen accountants opposed elements of the final deal and warned Enron that if no gas was delivered in 2000, they might force the company to restate its 1999 earnings.

The New York Times

That debate notwithstanding, the administration's decision -- along with objections today by Canadian officials, who also oppose elements of the report -- could prevent the G-8 from endorsing the proposals.

The New York Times

Such Republicans formed coalitions with moderate Democrats to push back populists on the right and left who opposed elements of the spending bill with enough fervour to flirt with closing down the government.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opposing elements", ensure that the context clearly defines what those elements are and how they are in opposition. For example, "The novel explores the tension between the opposing elements of tradition and modernity."

Common error

Avoid using "opposing elements" without specifying what those elements are. A sentence like "The project suffered from opposing elements" is too vague. Instead, clarify: "The project suffered from the opposing elements of budget constraints and ambitious deadlines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opposing elements" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it's a correct and usable expression in written English. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing components that are in conflict or contrast.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "opposing elements" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes factors in conflict or contrast. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly defining the elements in question. Alternatives like "conflicting forces" or "contrasting aspects" may offer nuanced meaning variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting forces

Focuses on the active conflict or struggle between the elements.

contrasting aspects

Highlights the differences and distinct nature of the elements.

divergent factors

Emphasizes the separation and differing directions of the elements.

antithetical components

Stresses the direct opposition or contradiction between the elements.

binary oppositions

Refers to elements that are directly and mutually exclusive.

polar extremes

Highlights elements at opposite ends of a spectrum.

dueling aspects

Suggests a confrontational dynamic between the elements.

contradictory aspects

Emphasizes the inconsistency and disagreement between elements.

incompatible features

Focuses on the inability of the elements to coexist or work together.

antagonistic forces

Highlights the active opposition and potential hostility between the elements.

FAQs

How can I use "opposing elements" in a sentence?

You can use "opposing elements" to describe things that are in conflict or contrast. For example, "The artwork beautifully captures the tension between "opposing elements", such as light and dark."

What are some synonyms for "opposing elements"?

Alternatives include "conflicting forces", "contrasting aspects", or "divergent factors", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "opposing element" instead of "opposing elements"?

While grammatically possible if referring to a single instance, it's less common. "Opposing elements" usually refers to multiple conflicting factors. You might say, "The main opposing element was a lack of funding", but it's usually phrased in the plural.

What's the difference between "opposing elements" and "complementary elements"?

"Opposing elements" are in conflict or contrast, while "complementary elements" work well together and enhance each other. For example, fire and water are "opposing elements", whereas peanut butter and jelly are complementary elements.