sitting opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sitting opposite" is a correct and common part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe the position or location of one person in relation to another, where they are facing each other while sitting down. For example: "He was sitting opposite me at the table, sipping his coffee." This sentence conveys that the speaker and the person they are referring to are sitting across from each other at a table. Another example: "The two children were sitting opposite each other on the school bus, quietly reading their books." In this sentence, the location of the children on the bus is described, facing each other while seated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If they sit down, then sitting opposite is a good move.

WikiHow

Then Funke suddenly appeared sitting opposite him.

The New Yorker

Now let's imagine him sitting opposite Ritchie.

The Guardian - Sport

Moments later we are sitting opposite him.

The Guardian

I'm sitting opposite Sue and Ian Clark.

The Guardian - Travel

"Thank you all for sitting opposite me.

The Guardian

"He was sitting opposite me," says Mrs Fantlova.

The Guardian - Music

On Wednesday, sitting opposite Mays, Aaron paid tribute to Bonds.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm sitting opposite Stan Smith, and he's wearing Stan Smiths.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A+," I texted a friend sitting opposite me.

The Guardian

Von Trier is sitting opposite me on a couch.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sitting opposite" to clearly indicate a face-to-face seated arrangement, especially when detailing interactions or observations. This provides a precise spatial context for the reader.

Common error

Do not use "sitting opposite" when you mean "sitting next to" or another arrangement. Ensure the context makes it clear that the individuals are facing each other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sitting opposite" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It specifies the location or position of someone in relation to another person or object, indicating they are facing each other while seated. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples where it clarifies spatial relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sitting opposite" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the physical arrangement of individuals facing each other while seated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively clarifies spatial relationships in various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes it clear that the individuals are indeed facing one another to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "seated across from" or "facing each other" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seated across from

Replaces "sitting" with "seated" and uses "across from" instead of "opposite", focusing on the spatial arrangement.

across from

A more concise way of saying "across the table from", removing the table reference.

across the table from

Specifically indicates that the people are positioned on opposite sides of a table.

facing each other

Emphasizes the act of facing one another while seated, removing specific mention of the sitting posture.

directly facing

Highlights the directness of the facing position, omitting the sitting aspect.

vis-à-vis

A more formal term indicating a face-to-face position, without explicitly stating they are sitting.

on the other side of

Describes the location as being on the other side, implying a division of space.

in front of

A simpler expression indicating being positioned in front of someone who is seated.

confronting

Focuses on the confrontational aspect of facing someone, rather than just the physical positioning.

in opposition to

Indicates a position of being against or in contrast to, broadening the meaning beyond physical location.

FAQs

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

Use "sitting opposite" to describe someone's location in relation to another person. For example, "She was sitting opposite him during the meeting."

What are some alternatives to saying "sitting opposite"?

You can use alternatives like "seated across from", "facing each other", or "across the table from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "sitting across" instead of "sitting opposite"?

While "sitting across" might be understood, "sitting opposite" is generally more precise and grammatically standard, especially when indicating a direct face-to-face arrangement. "Sitting across" may imply a more general positioning.

What's the difference between "sitting opposite" and "sitting next to"?

"Sitting opposite" indicates that two people are facing each other while seated. "Sitting next to" means they are side by side. The phrases describe different physical arrangements.