vote against

USAGE SUMMARY

'vote against' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of casting a vote against something, such as an election candidate or a piece of legislation. For example: "I have decided to vote against the proposed changes to the laws regarding gun control".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vote against Bobby Bright".

The New York Times

You vote against us!

The Economist

Faculty vote against it.

Columbia University

How could anyone vote against?

The Economist

Vote against the pledge breakers".

The Guardian

Who am I going to vote against?

The New York Times

So he would vote against her.

The New Yorker

The fliers said, "Vote against everybody".

The New York Times

The vote against unionizing was 3,111.

The New York Times

It's a vote against small businesses".

The New York Times

He will vote against.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vote against", clearly specify what you are voting against to avoid ambiguity. For example, say "vote against the proposal" instead of just "vote against".

Common error

Avoid using "vote against" when you simply mean to abstain or express neutrality. "Vote against" indicates active opposition, not just a lack of support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vote against" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of expressing opposition through a formal voting process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase for denoting active dissent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vote against" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express opposition through a formal voting process. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, followed by academic and business contexts. When using "vote against", ensure you clearly specify what you are opposing. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its formality can vary based on context. Consider alternatives such as "oppose in a vote" or "reject via ballot" to achieve subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oppose in a vote

Focuses on the act of opposing specifically within a voting process.

reject via ballot

Emphasizes the rejection aspect using a formal voting method.

decline to support

Highlights the lack of support rather than direct opposition.

cast a dissenting vote

More formal, highlighting disagreement with the majority.

register opposition

Broader term, focusing on expressing opposition formally.

be against

Simplifies the phrase to a general statement of opposition.

dissent from

Formal term indicating disagreement and separation from an idea.

not support

Neutral way to express a lack of endorsement.

object to

Highlights a specific objection to something.

veto

Implies a rejection with authority, like that of a president.

FAQs

How is "vote against" used in a sentence?

You can use "vote against" to indicate opposition to a proposal, candidate, or policy. For example, "I plan to "vote against" the new tax law."

What are some alternatives to "vote against"?

Alternatives include "oppose in a vote", "reject via ballot", or "decline to support", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "vote against" or "not vote for"?

"Vote against" implies active opposition, while "not vote for" can mean either opposition or simply choosing another option. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

Can "vote against" be used in contexts other than political elections?

Yes, it can be used in any situation where a formal vote takes place, such as voting on a company policy or a club decision. However, in informal contexts, it's generally better to use "oppose" or "disagree with".