pitted against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pitted against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which two opposed sides are in conflict. For example, "The two teams were pitted against each other in the championship match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Morgan, seeded 15th, was pitted against Oklahoma.

The New York Times - Sports

"They wanted them pitted against each other".

The New Yorker

Artistic innovation is conventionally pitted against marketability.

The New York Times

Social conservatives pitted against gay activists?

The New York Times

Will be pitted against Clarence Darrow.

The New Yorker

The Army was pitted against the Tamil militants.

The New Yorker

We find ourselves pitted against the total regimented society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here, banks and investors are pitted against homeowners.

The New York Times

There, banks and investors are pitted against nations.

The New York Times

Professional chefs and amateurs will be pitted against one another.

The New York Times

She is lost when not pitted against someone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pitted against", ensure clarity regarding what entities are being compared or forced into opposition. Be specific about the context of their conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "pitted against" passively. It typically implies an external force or circumstance actively placing entities in opposition, rather than a naturally occurring divergence. For instance, rather than saying "ideas were pitted against each other", consider "the moderator pitted the ideas against each other."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pitted against" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used adjectivally to describe a state of opposition or conflict. Ludwig examples show it describing teams, individuals, or even abstract concepts placed in direct competition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pitted against" is a prepositional phrase widely used to describe situations of conflict, competition, or opposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively communicates the sense of entities being actively set against each other. The phrase's neutral register allows for use in both formal and informal settings. While numerous sources like The New York Times and The Guardian use this term frequently, remember to use it when emphasizing a direct competition or rivalry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set against

Similar to "pitted against" but can also imply a deliberate act of positioning one thing to contrast with another.

facing off against

Suggests a direct confrontation or showdown.

contending with

This implies an active struggle or competition against someone or something.

at odds with

Focuses on disagreement or a lack of harmony between two entities.

in opposition to

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes direct opposition or resistance.

in competition with

Highlights the competitive aspect of the relationship between the entities.

locked in conflict with

This alternative suggests an ongoing, intense struggle or battle.

struggling against

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in opposing something.

matched up with

Indicates two subjects are paired for competition or comparison.

measured against

Indicates a comparison to evaluate quality or success. It subtly changes the meaning by introducing a sense of evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "pitted against" in a sentence?

You can use "pitted against" to describe a situation where two or more entities are in direct competition or conflict. For example, "The underdog team was "pitted against" the reigning champions."

What phrases are similar to "pitted against"?

Similar phrases include "set against", "in opposition to", or "contending with", all of which imply some form of conflict or competition.

Is it correct to say "pitted against each other"?

Yes, "pitted against each other" is a common and grammatically sound construction. It emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the opposition or competition. For example, "The candidates were "pitted against" each other during the debate."

What's the difference between "pitted against" and "compared to"?

"Pitted against" implies a conflict or competition, while "compared to" simply suggests a comparison for evaluation or assessment. You "pit against" rivals or opponents, but you "compare to" similar or related items.