rebel against

USAGE SUMMARY

"rebel against" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate a refusal to accept an established system, rule, or belief. For example, "The young student chose to rebel against his conservative family's views on marriage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will the debtor states rebel against austerity?

The Economist

What is there left to rebel against?

The New York Times - Arts

I had something to rebel against.

The Guardian - Arts

You have to rebel against your parents".

The Guardian - Film

You became the "dad" to rebel against?

The Guardian - Music

And how do you rebel against it?

The Guardian

"He had the most to rebel against".

The New York Times

Students, rebel against these soul-suckers!

The Guardian - Opinion

Once everything was allowed, there was nothing to rebel against.

Independent

Voters in many countries might rebel against continuing fiscal austerity.

The Economist

Still, Anons tend to rebel against institutional structure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rebel against", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being opposed. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "rebel against" when a milder term like "disagree with" or "question" is more appropriate. Overstating opposition can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rebel against" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an act of defiance or resistance towards an established authority, convention, or system. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its frequent use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis of "rebel against" reveals its status as a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, noting its widespread presence across diverse sources. Functioning primarily to express opposition or defiance, it is crucial to consider the specific context to ensure its apt application. While it can be replaced by synonyms such as "defy" or "resist", the selection should align with the intended nuance. As evidenced by its prevalence in news, science, and wiki sources, mastering the use of "rebel against" will allow to express ideas and concepts of opposition in different writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defy

This alternative conveys a sense of open resistance or disobedience, often implying a challenge to authority or power.

go against

This alternative suggests acting in contradiction to something, often implying a violation of rules or norms.

resist

This alternative suggests a more subtle or passive form of opposition, focusing on withstanding or preventing something.

stand up to

This alternative emphasizes confronting and resisting something, often implying courage or determination in the face of opposition.

fight back against

This alternative implies actively defending oneself or others against an attack or injustice.

oppose

This alternative indicates a direct disagreement or antagonism towards something, often in a more formal or political context.

take a stand against

This alternative highlights publicly opposing a specific issue or cause.

challenge

This alternative implies questioning or disputing the validity or authority of something, often seeking to change or overturn it.

kick against

This alternative suggests resisting or protesting something, typically in an emotional and often ineffective way.

dissent from

This alternative suggests disagreeing with or opposing a prevailing opinion or decision, often in a more intellectual or academic context.

FAQs

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

The phrase "rebel against" is used to express resistance or opposition to an established authority, system, or norm. For example, "Teenagers often "rebel against" their parents' rules."

What are some alternatives to "rebel against"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "defy", "resist", or "oppose" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "rebel against"?

Yes, "rebel against" is grammatically correct. "Rebel" functions as a verb, and "against" specifies the target of the rebellion.

What is the difference between "rebel against" and "disagree with"?

"Rebel against" implies a more active and often defiant opposition, while "disagree with" suggests a difference in opinion without necessarily involving resistance or action.