opposition to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opposition to" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a negative attitude and resistance to a certain person, idea, activity, etc. For example: "The mayor faced strong opposition to his proposal to raise taxes in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Opposition to what?

The New Yorker

Opposition to immigration reform.

The Guardian - Opinion

Opposition to progressive health care?

The New York Times - Magazine

Opposition to healthcare for all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Opposition to immigration is growing.

The Economist

Opposition to change is entrenched.

The Guardian

Viscosity denotes opposition to flow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Opposition to immigration is historically ignorant.

The Economist

"Opposition to this program endangers Americans".

The New York Times

Opposition to liberalisation runs extraordinarily deep.

The Economist

He later explained his opposition to expansion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opposition to", clearly state what the opposition is directed towards to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "There is opposition", specify "There is opposition to the new policy".

Common error

Avoid using "opposition to" without specifying what is being opposed. Unclear references can confuse readers. Always clarify the subject of the "opposition to" for clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opposition to" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb. It indicates a state of disagreement, resistance, or antagonism towards something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "opposition to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express disagreement or resistance. Ludwig AI supports this conclusion with various examples from authoritative sources. When writing, ensure that the object of opposition is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. While the phrase is versatile, consider alternatives like "resistance towards" or "disagreement with" to fine-tune your intended meaning. Remember to use "opposition to" carefully in order to maintain a neutral and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resistance towards

Focuses on the act of resisting, implying active pushback.

disagreement with

Emphasizes a difference of opinion, less forceful than "opposition".

objection to

Highlights a formal expression of disapproval.

aversion to

Indicates a strong dislike or reluctance.

antipathy towards

Suggests a deep-seated feeling of aversion or hostility.

hostility towards

Emphasizes an aggressive or antagonistic stance.

reluctance about

Implies hesitation or unwillingness, rather than direct confrontation.

disapproval of

Conveys a negative judgment or assessment.

challenge to

Focuses on questioning or disputing something.

criticism of

Highlights the expression of faults or negative aspects.

FAQs

How do I use "opposition to" in a sentence?

Use "opposition to" to express disagreement or resistance towards something. For example, "There is strong "opposition to" the proposed changes."

What are some alternatives to "opposition to"?

Alternatives include "resistance towards", "disagreement with", or "objection to" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "opposition to" or "resistance to"?

Both "opposition to" and "resistance to" are correct, but "opposition to" is more general, while "resistance to" implies a more active form of pushback. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "opposition to" and "disagreement with"?

"Opposition to" suggests a stronger stance against something, implying active efforts to prevent or change it. "Disagreement with" simply indicates a difference of opinion, without necessarily implying action.