was against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was against" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express opposition or disagreement with something or someone. Here is an example: "Sheila was against the idea of raising taxes to fund the new project." In this sentence, the phrase "was against" indicates that Sheila did not support the idea of raising taxes for the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was against handouts.

The Economist

That was against Pittsburgh.

The New York Times

Biology was against them.

The New Yorker

I was against it.

The New Yorker

He was against it.

The New Yorker

"I was against politics.

The New Yorker

Ingersoll was against it.

The New Yorker

She was against".

The New Yorker

It was against the rules.

The New Yorker

Governor Romney was against us.

The New Yorker

"He was against the war.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was against", clearly state the object of opposition to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what policy, idea, or person someone opposed.

Common error

Avoid using "was against" without a clear reference. Instead of saying "He was against it", specify what "it" refers to for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was against" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of opposition or disagreement. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in expressing dissent towards ideas, actions, or policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was against" is a common and grammatically sound way to express opposition or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives for academic or professional contexts. Be sure to specify the object of opposition clearly to avoid ambiguity. Remember to use "was" with singular subjects and "were" with plural subjects. With 67 examples available, Ludwig provides ample context for understanding its proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposed to

Emphasizes a state of being in opposition, often used for policies or ideas.

in disagreement with

Highlights the difference in opinion or stance.

not in favor of

A more neutral way of expressing lack of support.

disapproved of

Indicates a formal or moral objection.

objected to

Implies a verbal or formal expression of opposition.

took exception to

Suggests a strong, often personal, disagreement.

resistant to

Focuses on the act of resisting or preventing something.

unsupportive of

Similar to 'not in favor of', but can suggest a lack of active assistance.

fighting against

Highlights active opposition or struggle.

argued against

Focuses on the reasoned or debated opposition.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was against" indicates opposition or disagreement. For example, "She "was against" the proposal to cut funding for the arts."

What can I say instead of "was against"?

You can use alternatives like "opposed to", "in disagreement with", or "not in favor of" depending on the context.

Is "was against" formal or informal?

"Was against" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "objected to" or "disapproved of" might be preferred in certain situations.

Which is correct, "was against" or "were against"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "was against" for singular subjects (e.g., "He was against the plan") and "were against" for plural subjects (e.g., "They were against the plan").