stern opposition

USAGE SUMMARY

'stern opposition' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a strong resistance or disapproval of something. For example, "The mayor faced stern opposition from members of the local community when proposing the new tax hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But for 27 years, Dr. House had faced stern opposition while he was developing the device.

The New York Times - Health

That may not be straightforward; the government can expect stern opposition at home.

The Economist

Fitzgerald had to face stern opposition from the Catholic Church on proposed reforms on divorce, contraception and abortion information.

The Guardian

Hours after the announcement, King Vajiralongkorn put out a statement voicing his stern opposition to the move.

The Times

It's not a typical sight in an upstate New York city, let alone a smaller one that has its share of contentious development debates and stern opposition.

Cornell University

Another idea is to allow foreign doctors to operate there (though this modest step already faces stern opposition from local medics).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Sterner opposition would not have parted so obligingly.

The Guardian - Sport

Early dividends include a 5-2 away victory for Mamelodi at Santos on Wednesday, but the Chiefs, though struggling for goals, should present sterner opposition.

The New York Times - Sports

As the summer drew on, and against sterner opposition, he took 15 wickets in four Tests against South Africa at 34 runs each.

The Guardian - Sport

Spain's David Ferrer, the seventh seed, is Murray's last-eight opponent, and 'The Roadrunner' is expected to provide sterner opposition.

BBC

Pospisil or Sousa are likely to provide sterner opposition next time out, with their first-round match scheduled first on Tuesday.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "stern opposition" when describing resistance to controversial or significant issues to emphasize the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "stern opposition", which can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "firm resistance", "strong dissent", or "stiff resistance" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stern opposition" functions as a noun phrase, where 'stern' modifies 'opposition'. It describes the nature of the opposition as severe or inflexible. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage, demonstrating its role in conveying strong disagreement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stern opposition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe strong, serious resistance or disapproval. According to Ludwig, the phrase is categorized as an adjective + noun phrase and functions to emphasize the intensity and inflexibility of disagreement. It is most commonly found in News & Media, and Ludwig's examples show its application across varied situations. To enhance writing, remember to use the phrase where resistance is significant and vary your language with synonyms like "firm resistance" or "strong dissent" to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firm resistance

Emphasizes the resolute and unwavering nature of the resistance.

strong dissent

Highlights the disagreement aspect, focusing on a powerful expression of differing opinions.

stiff resistance

Indicates a challenging and difficult opposition to overcome.

determined objection

Stresses the resolute and purposeful nature of the opposition.

vehement disagreement

Highlights the intense and passionate nature of the differing views.

resolute defiance

Focuses on the unwavering and rebellious nature of the opposition.

forceful objection

Emphasizes the powerful and impactful expression of disapproval.

staunch resistance

Implies a steadfast and loyal opposition, unlikely to waver.

strenuous objection

Highlights the effort and energy put into expressing the opposition.

unyielding resistance

Emphasizes the inflexibility and persistence of the opposing force.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "stern opposition" in a sentence?

Use "stern opposition" to describe situations where there is strong, serious resistance or disapproval. For example, "The proposal met with "stern opposition" from the community."

What phrases can I use instead of "stern opposition"?

You can use alternatives like "firm resistance", "strong dissent", or "stiff resistance" depending on the context.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "stern opposition"?

It's most appropriate when you want to emphasize the serious and unwavering nature of the resistance. It is useful in situations involving significant disagreements or controversial issues.

Is there a difference in meaning between "stern opposition" and "strong opposition"?

While both phrases indicate significant resistance, "stern opposition" implies a more severe and inflexible disapproval compared to "strong opposition", which is a more general term.