opposing one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opposing one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more entities that are in conflict or disagreement with each other. Example: "The two political parties have been opposing one another on key issues for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

And why are Democrats opposing one another on what's important?

Huffington Post

The state's chief judge has ordered lawyers who are opposing one another in court to provide copies of documents if their adversaries have been affected.

The New York Times

Marx next cites two lines from Faust (Chapter 24, Section 3) about "two souls" dwelling within the same individual, opposing one another, and concludes by asserting that there is, in the capitalist's breast, "a Faustian conflict between the [sordid] passion for accumulation, and the desire for enjoyment".

Journal of Chinese Studies

We do not shrink from opposing one another when we believe the other to be wrong, but we know that we each have the nation's best interests at heart.

Huffington Post

Indeed, EBM and intuition were perceived as complementary rather than opposing one another.

BMC Family Practice

97 With such strong duty-based, right-based and goal-based issues opposing one another, what other ethical perspective might be sought?

Bioethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Unlike the two milRNA duplexes, reads within the loop region varied in both length and 5′ start site, and did not directly oppose one another on the precursor sequence.

BMC Genomics

Why, those two just can't stop attending each others' weddings and hosting book-signing parties for one another - which is exactly what you'd expect of the two people who opposed one another in court on the case that rent the body politic in twain!

Huffington Post

Conductances that had positive correlations opposed one another and had the opposite effects on activity metrics when perturbed whereas conductances that had negative correlations could compensate for one another and had similar effects on activity metrics.

Yale University

By competing along Lebanon's religious lines, they helped drive the Lebanese government's frequent breakdowns, as parties relied on foreign backers who wanted to oppose one another more than build a functioning state.

The New York Times

Also 2 sessions involving the Marriage Equality Act, as well as Citizens United were presented by two of the United States most famous lawyers who opposed one another in the Citizen's case and joined forces on the Marriage Equality Case.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opposing one another", ensure that the context clearly identifies the entities involved and the nature of their opposition. Provide specific details to clarify the scope and intensity of the conflict or disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "opposing one another" when the action is not reciprocal. This phrase implies a mutual opposition, so ensure that both entities are actively and directly opposing each other. If the opposition is one-sided, consider a phrase like "opposing someone" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opposing one another" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating that two or more entities are performing the action of opposing, and that this action is directed back at each other. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

42%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opposing one another" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe conflict or disagreement between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for various contexts, from scientific discussions to news reports. Key considerations include ensuring the action is reciprocal and providing clear context about the nature of the opposition. Alternatives such as "in conflict with each other" or "at odds with each other" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding these nuances and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in opposition to each other

This directly states that the entities hold opposing views or positions, emphasizing disagreement and divergence.

in conflict with each other

This alternative suggests a state of disagreement or struggle, highlighting the antagonistic nature of the relationship.

at odds with each other

This implies a misalignment or disagreement, often suggesting incompatibility or clashing interests.

antagonistic toward each other

This emphasizes active hostility or opposition, indicating a more intense and deliberate form of conflict.

contending against one another

This conveys a sense of competition or rivalry, suggesting that the entities are striving for the same goal or advantage.

clashing with each other

This highlights a forceful and often disruptive confrontation, implying a direct and immediate conflict.

resisting each other

This suggests an active effort to withstand or counteract the actions of the other, emphasizing resistance and defiance.

competing against each other

This implies a structured rivalry, often within established rules or frameworks, such as in business or sports.

working against each other

This highlights actions that undermine or hinder the efforts of the other, suggesting a deliberate intent to obstruct.

counteracting each other

This suggests that each entity is neutralizing or offsetting the effects of the other's actions, implying a balanced but opposing dynamic.

FAQs

How can I use "opposing one another" in a sentence?

You can use "opposing one another" to describe situations where two or more entities are in conflict or disagreement. For example, "The two teams were "opposing one another" throughout the entire game."

What can I say instead of "opposing one another"?

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

Is it correct to say "opposing to one another"?

No, the correct phrasing is "opposing one another". The preposition "to" is not needed and disrupts the reciprocal nature of the phrase.

What is the difference between "opposing one another" and "competing with one another"?

"Opposing one another" generally implies a broader conflict or disagreement, while "competing with one another" suggests a more structured rivalry, often with established rules or goals. The former can include ethical or ideological clashes, while the latter is usually confined to a specific arena such as business or sports.