opposite position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opposite position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two contrasting points of view, opinions, or beliefs. For example, "John and Sarah had opposite positions on the issue, with John advocating for a legislative approach and Sarah for a more hands-on solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yet the opposite position is more perverse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another took the opposite position: "A new #HarperLee book!

The Washington Post

Foreign students are in the opposite position to contract workers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet the opposite position seems to me equally wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Facebook's new language starts with the opposite position.

The New York Times

OBL considers the opposite position of a solution in the search space.

Expert Systems with Applications

It seemed to be in polar opposite position to the brand identity of The Body Shop.

Harvard Business Review

It puts him in the opposite position that his father found himself in".

The New York Times

David Aronson, a founding partner of Aronson, Mayefsky & Sloan, took the opposite position.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Labour starts from the opposite position.

Independent

As soon as the drawing is turned to a vertical/opposite position, participants will soon see another image, the rabbit/the old lady.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “opposite position” to describe situations where entities are arranged inversely.

Common error

Don't use "opposite position" when a simpler term like 'reverse side' or 'other end' would suffice. Overusing the phrase in basic spatial descriptions can sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opposite position" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a viewpoint, stance, or physical location that is contrary to a given reference. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opposite position" is a versatile phrase used to denote contrasting viewpoints, stances, or physical locations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific research. It is important to remember, as described previously, that while the phrase is appropriate in certain contexts, it can be too formal and more concise terms like "reverse side" could be preferred. The phrase is generally neutral to formal and as the frequency analysis shows, the most common use is in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary stance

Focuses on the stance being in direct opposition.

opposing viewpoint

Highlights a differing point of view or opinion.

reverse angle

Emphasizes the reversed perspective or direction.

polar opposite

Indicates a position at the extreme other end of a spectrum.

diametrically opposed

Implies a complete and direct opposition.

conflicting perspective

Highlights the presence of disagreement.

alternative standpoint

Focuses on a different perspective or position.

counter position

Suggests an action or argument made in response or opposition.

differing opinion

Emphasizes the difference in belief or judgment.

converse situation

Points to a scenario where the conditions are reversed.

FAQs

How can I use "opposite position" in a sentence?

You can use "opposite position" to describe a contrasting viewpoint or a reversed physical arrangement. For example, "In the debate, John took the "opposite position", arguing against the proposed policy."

What's a synonym for "opposite position"?

Synonyms for "opposite position" include "contrary stance", "opposing viewpoint", or "polar opposite", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "opposite position," or are there simpler alternatives?

While "opposite position" is correct, simpler terms like "reverse side" or "other end" might be more appropriate in straightforward directional contexts. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

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

"Opposite position" refers to a general stance or viewpoint, while "opposing argument" specifically refers to the reasons or evidence presented against a particular claim. The former is broader in scope.