opposite her

USAGE SUMMARY

"opposite her" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a location or position that is directly facing or across from someone or something else. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a seating arrangement, a direction, or the location of an object. Example: "I sat opposite her at the dinner table, admiring her graceful posture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sam is the opposite: her labour is her essence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her husband, Pesach'ke Burstein, played opposite her.

The Economist

He settled down opposite her.

The New Yorker

I felt it, playing opposite her, it was really traumatic.

Independent

Her son lives with her, her mother opposite her.

The Economist

Opposite her are the cops, clad in black.

The New York Times - Magazine

She would like Elvis Presley to play opposite her.

The New Yorker

He went in and sat opposite her in a booth.

The New Yorker

How did she find working opposite her husband?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The hirsute, supremely relaxed Gregory sits opposite her, idly doodling in a notebook.

Independent

He hadn't even seemed to know that he should sit down opposite her.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opposite her", ensure the context clearly establishes who "her" refers to, especially if there are multiple female figures in the narrative. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "opposite her" when you mean "next to her" or "beside her". "Opposite" specifically indicates a facing position, not simply proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opposite her" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the location or position of someone or something in relation to a female subject. As Ludwig AI explains, this denotes something or someone being directly across from "her".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "opposite her" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate a spatial relationship where someone or something is located directly across from a female subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the reference to "her" is unambiguous. While generally neutral in register, its primary function is to provide spatial orientation. Alternatives like "facing her" or "across from her" can be used depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing her

Focuses specifically on the direction someone or something is oriented towards her.

across from her

Emphasizes the spatial arrangement of being on the other side from her.

in front of her

Highlights a position directly ahead of her, in her line of sight.

vis-à-vis her

A more formal way to indicate a facing or compared position.

in contrast to her

Shifts the focus to a comparison, emphasizing differences rather than just physical location.

opposing her

Suggests a position of conflict or disagreement, while still implying a facing relationship.

counter to her

Indicates a position or action that is against or in defiance of her.

facing off against her

Adds a sense of confrontation or competition.

in opposition to her

Strongly emphasizes disagreement or resistance.

diametrically opposed to her

Highlights the complete contrast or disagreement in position or opinion.

FAQs

What does "opposite her" mean in a sentence?

The phrase "opposite her" indicates that someone or something is positioned directly facing her. For example, "He sat "opposite her" at the table" means he was sitting directly across from her.

Which is correct, "opposite her" or "in front of her"?

Both phrases are correct, but they describe different positions. "Opposite her" means facing her, while "in front of her" means directly ahead of her in her line of sight. The choice depends on the spatial relationship you want to convey.

Are there other phrases I can use instead of "opposite her"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like "facing her", "across from her", or "vis-à-vis her". Each of these slightly alters the emphasis of the sentence.

Can "opposite her" be used in contexts other than physical location?

While primarily used to describe physical position, "opposite her" can also be used metaphorically to describe conflicting opinions or stances. However, this usage is less common than the spatial sense.