to resist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to resist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of opposing or withstanding something, such as temptation, pressure, or an external force. Example: "She found it difficult to resist the urge to eat dessert after dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's hard to resist".

The New York Times

Hard to resist.

The New York Times

It was hard to resist.

The New York Times

I'm not going to resist.

Independent

Others, however, continued to resist.

Independent

Temptation was harder to resist.

The New York Times - Books

"To resist capitalism!" he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's also hard to resist.

The New York Times - Travel

She was hard to resist.

The New York Times

It was useless to resist".

The New York Times

We have to resist trouble".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to resist", clearly identify what is being resisted to ensure clarity. For example, specify whether you are resisting temptation, pressure, or an opposing force.

Common error

Avoid vague statements where the object of resistance is unclear. Instead of saying "It's important to resist", specify what should be resisted (e.g., "It's important to resist the urge to overspend").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to resist" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase. Ludwig AI identifies its role in expressing intention or purpose, often used to describe an action taken to counter or withstand something. It is commonly used to express the act of opposing an action or effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to resist" is a versatile infinitive verb phrase used to express opposition or withstanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While appropriate in various contexts, ensure clarity by specifying the object of resistance. Commonly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, this phrase offers a straightforward way to communicate the act of preventing or countering something. Remember to avoid vagueness and clearly articulate what is being resisted for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to oppose

Emphasizes direct action against something, showing active disagreement or obstruction.

to withstand

Focuses on enduring or holding out against something, highlighting resilience and strength.

to counter

Suggests taking action to neutralize or offset the effects of something.

to combat

Implies active fighting or struggle against something, often used for abstract concepts.

to defy

Indicates open disobedience or challenge to authority or a rule.

to fight back

Suggests a reactive resistance, typically after an initial attack or provocation.

to hold off

Focuses on preventing something from advancing or succeeding, often temporarily.

to fend off

Implies warding off or deflecting something, often a threat or attack.

to stand against

Highlights taking a firm position in opposition to something, emphasizing moral or ethical grounds.

to push back

Indicates a forceful response to a proposal or action, showing active disagreement and unwillingness to accept it.

FAQs

How can I use "to resist" in a sentence?

You can use "to resist" to indicate opposition or the act of withstanding something. For example, "We have "to resist trouble"", or "It's tough "to resist"" if something is tempting.

What are some alternatives to "to resist"?

Alternatives include "to oppose", "to withstand", "to counter", or "to defy", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "to resist" and "to oppose"?

"To resist" generally implies withstanding or enduring something, while "to oppose" suggests actively acting against something. For example, you might "resist" temptation, but you would "oppose" a political policy.

What does it mean "to resist" something?

It means to withstand the effect or action of something; to try to stop or prevent something from happening or taking effect. Often, it implies an active, conscious effort to not be overcome by something, such as "to resist temptation" or "to resist pressure".