was opposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was opposed" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action taken against something or someone, often in a disagreement or conflict. Example: The proposal to increase taxes was opposed by the majority of the citizens. In this sentence, "was opposed" indicates that the citizens were against the proposal to increase taxes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I was opposed.

The New Yorker

(Mr Galvin was opposed).

The Economist

Downing Street was opposed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rick Lazio was opposed.

The New York Times

He was opposed to the peace process.

The New Yorker

It was opposed by Arab nations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

We were opposed.

The New York Times

Everything is opposed".

The New York Times

We are opposed.

The New Yorker

Most Democrats are opposed.

The New York Times

Not everybody is opposed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was opposed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being opposed and the reasons behind the opposition. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was opposed" with a plural subject. Ensure subject-verb agreement by using "were opposed" for plural subjects. For example, say "They were opposed to the plan" instead of "They was opposed to the plan".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was opposed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone or something received opposition. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, showcasing its use in various contexts. It highlights the action of disagreeing or resisting, rather than initiating it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was opposed" is a very common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to indicate disagreement or resistance. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources, confirms that it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in register, its meaning remains consistent across various levels of formality. When using "was opposed", ensure clarity by specifying what is being opposed and why, and avoid subject-verb agreement errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was against

A simpler and more direct way of expressing opposition.

objected to

Replaces the passive voice "was opposed" with the active voice "objected", maintaining the core meaning.

did not support

Indicates a lack of approval or endorsement.

disagreed with

Emphasizes the disagreement aspect of opposing something.

expressed opposition to

More formal and explicit about the act of opposing.

dissented from

Formally indicates a differing opinion or disagreement.

fought against

Highlights the active resistance to something.

resisted

Focuses on the act of resisting or preventing something.

took a stand against

Implies a more principled and deliberate act of opposition.

contended with

Suggests a more active and involved form of opposition.

FAQs

How to use "was opposed" in a sentence?

"Was opposed" indicates disagreement or resistance. Example: "The new policy "was opposed" by the employees."

What can I say instead of "was opposed"?

Alternatives include "objected to", "disagreed with", or "did not support" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was opposed to" or "opposed to"?

"Was opposed to" is the past tense form, while "opposed to" can be used in present or future contexts. For instance, "He is opposed to the idea" versus "He "was opposed" to the idea yesterday."

What's the difference between "was opposed" and "was against"?

While similar, "was against" is generally more informal. "Was opposed" can carry a slightly stronger sense of deliberate resistance or objection. They are often interchangeable but consider your audience and the level of formality required. However, both indicate a negative stance.