opposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to resistance, dissent, or a contrasting viewpoint in various contexts, such as politics, sports, or debates. Example: "The opposition to the proposed policy was strong, with many citizens voicing their concerns at the town hall meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nursultan Nazarbayev has led Kazakhstan as president, since independence in 1991, extending his tenure through a series of constitutional revisions and elections in which he has faced only token opposition.

The Guardian

At first Uzbekistan had a competitive political system but by 1995 Karimov had eliminated all opposition.

The Guardian

If the court were to rule the law unconstitutional when it issues its decision in June, it could prove a significant blow to Obama's re-election campaign by striking down his most important piece of legislation and bolstering conservative opposition.

The Guardian

The opposition leader said the attempt to "micromanage" schools was an example of the government's "wrong priorities" – contradicting assertions by the environment minister, Greg Hunt, that the scheme had bipartisan support.

The Guardian

Over the next two years, several prominent opposition figures were murdered in mysterious circumstances.

The Guardian

In opposition O'Farrell said the Liberal/Nationals coalition would not approve the mine, but the application has been progressing with the planning assessment commission yet to make a decision on it.

The Guardian

This month, the Portuguese government agreed with the main opposition party on more austerity measures to cut its deficit faster than planned, to 4.6 percent of Portugal's gross domestic product next year from 9.4 percent last year.

The New York Times

The main opposition party could hardly refuse to support it, or it would be displaying lack of confidence in its ability to win the ensuing general election.

The Guardian

The poll shows almost two-to-one opposition to the speed of cuts, but that does not mean voters are yet persuaded there is an alternative.

The Guardian

Fiercest opposition came from Patrick McLoughlin's Department for Transport, which flatly opposed Manchester's desire to regulate local bus companies.

The Guardian

Watching television and listening to the radio, I soon realised that here was a widely held sentiment: a visceral opposition to what one critic suggested we should literally call "the nanny state".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opposition" to clearly denote resistance or disagreement with a plan, idea, or entity. Consider context to choose synonyms like "resistance" or "dissent" for nuanced expression.

Common error

Avoid using "opposition" when a simpler term like "disagreement" or "challenge" suffices. Overusing "opposition" can make your writing sound unnecessarily aggressive or confrontational.

Linguistic Context

The noun "opposition" primarily functions to denote the act of opposing, the state of being in conflict, or the entity that opposes. Ludwig shows that it is widely used to describe political dissent, resistance to policies, or contrasting viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "opposition" is a versatile noun used to express disagreement, resistance, or contrast. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, most notably in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. While "opposition" is generally neutral, its synonyms, such as "resistance" or "dissent", can offer nuanced expressions depending on the specific intent. Whether you're discussing political strategies or scientific debates, understanding the proper usage of "opposition" is essential for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resistance

Focuses on the act of resisting or withstanding something.

dissent

Emphasizes disagreement or holding a different opinion.

objection

Expresses a formal disapproval or disagreement.

disagreement

Highlights a lack of consensus or agreement.

protest

Focuses on a public display of objection or dissent.

challenge

Suggests questioning or disputing a statement or action.

counteraction

Highlights an action taken to neutralize or offset another.

controversy

Indicates a public disagreement or dispute.

conflict

Implies a more direct and potentially confrontational disagreement.

antagonism

Suggests active hostility or opposition.

FAQs

How to use "opposition" in a sentence?

You can use "opposition" to indicate disagreement or resistance. For example, "There was strong "opposition" to the new policy" or "The political "opposition" party criticized the government's decision".

What can I say instead of "opposition"?

You can use alternatives like "resistance", "dissent", or "disagreement" depending on the context.

When should I use "opposition" versus "resistance"?

"Opposition" generally refers to a contrasting viewpoint or organized dissent, particularly in political or formal contexts. "Resistance", on the other hand, often implies a more active or forceful act of opposing something.

Is "opposition" formal or informal?

"Opposition" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the specific nuance you want to convey. In more casual settings, words like "pushback" might be more appropriate.