Understanding prepositions is crucial for mastering English grammar, and “against” is a particularly versatile one. It can indicate opposition, physical contact, protection, and much more.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the preposition “against,” exploring its various meanings, grammatical functions, and common usage scenarios. Whether you’re an ESL learner, a student preparing for an exam, or simply someone looking to refine their English skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to use “against” confidently and correctly.
This article will benefit learners of all levels who wish to improve their understanding and usage of the preposition “against.” By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to recognize and use “against” accurately in a variety of contexts, enhancing your overall communication skills.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “Against”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “Against” Usage
- Examples of “Against” in Sentences
- Usage Rules for “Against”
- Common Mistakes with “Against”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of “Against”
The preposition “against” is a versatile word used to express various relationships between elements in a sentence. Generally, it indicates opposition, contact, support, protection, or comparison. Understanding the nuances of “against” is essential for clear and effective communication.
More specifically, “against” can be defined as:
- In opposition to: This is perhaps the most common usage, indicating disagreement, resistance, or competition.
- In physical contact with: This describes a state where two things are touching or leaning on each other.
- For protection from: This indicates a defensive purpose, shielding something from harm or danger.
- Compared to or in contrast with: This usage highlights differences or similarities between two things.
- Moving towards or into contact with: This describes a movement that results in a collision or impact.
The function of “against” is to connect a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition) to another word in the sentence, thereby establishing a relationship between them. It provides context and clarifies the nature of this relationship.
For example, in the sentence “He leaned against the wall,” “against” connects “he” (subject) to “the wall” (object of the preposition), indicating physical contact. In “They fought against injustice,” it connects “they” to “injustice,” indicating opposition.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure involving “against” is straightforward:
[Main Clause] + against + [Noun Phrase]
Here’s a breakdown:
- Main Clause: This is the independent part of the sentence that can stand alone.
- against: The preposition itself.
- Noun Phrase: This is the object of the preposition and can be a single noun (e.g., “the wall”), a pronoun (e.g., “him”), or a more complex phrase (e.g., “the increasing pressure”).
Let’s look at some examples to illustrate this structure:
- “The ladder was propped against the tree.” (Main Clause: “The ladder was propped,” Noun Phrase: “the tree”)
- “She argued against the proposal.” (Main Clause: “She argued,” Noun Phrase: “the proposal”)
- “We need to protect ourselves against the cold.” (Main Clause: “We need to protect ourselves,” Noun Phrase: “the cold”)
The position of the phrase with “against” in the sentence can sometimes vary, but it usually follows the verb it modifies. Understanding this structure helps in correctly constructing sentences using “against.”
Types and Categories of “Against” Usage
The preposition “against” has several distinct usages, each conveying a different type of relationship. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories:
Opposition and Resistance
This is the most common usage of “against,” indicating disagreement, resistance, or competition. It suggests a conflict or struggle between two entities.
Examples:
- “They voted against the new law.”
- “He spoke against the war.”
- “The team played against their rivals.”
Physical Contact and Support
This usage describes a situation where two things are physically touching or leaning on each other, often providing support or stability.
Examples:
- “She leaned against the wall.”
- “The ladder was placed against the building.”
- “He pressed the cloth against the wound.”
Protection and Prevention
In this context, “against” indicates a defensive purpose, shielding something from harm, danger, or unwanted effects.
Examples:
- “The vaccine protects against the virus.”
- “We need to build defenses against flooding.”
- “Wear sunscreen to protect your skin against the sun.”
Comparison and Background
This usage highlights differences or similarities when one thing is considered in relation to another, often providing a background or context.
Examples:
- “The dark colors stood out against the white background.”
- “Her cheerful attitude shone against the gloomy atmosphere.”
- “The cost is low against the benefits.”
Direction and Movement
Here, “against” describes movement that results in a collision or impact, or movement that is contrary to something else.
Examples:
- “The waves crashed against the shore.”
- “He swam against the current.”
- “The rain beat against the windows.”
Examples of “Against” in Sentences
To further illustrate the different usages of “against,” here are several examples categorized by their specific meaning.
Examples of “Against” Indicating Opposition
This table shows how “against” is used to express disagreement, resistance, or competition.
| # | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The community protested against the construction of the new factory. | Expresses opposition to the factory construction. |
| 2 | Many senators voted against the controversial bill. | Indicates disagreement with the proposed law. |
| 3 | The lawyer argued against the prosecution’s evidence. | Shows resistance to the presented evidence. |
| 4 | She advised her client against making a statement. | Suggests disagreement with the client’s potential action. |
| 5 | The soldiers fought bravely against the enemy forces. | Demonstrates resistance and combat in warfare. |
| 6 | The activist spoke passionately against social injustice. | Expresses strong disapproval of social inequalities. |
| 7 | He campaigned against the proposed tax increase. | Indicates active opposition to the tax plan. |
| 8 | The students rebelled against the strict school rules. | Shows resistance and defiance of the regulations. |
| 9 | The athlete competed against the world’s best runners. | Demonstrates competition in a sporting event. |
| 10 | The company defended itself against the takeover attempt. | Shows resistance to being acquired by another company. |
| 11 | The witness testified against the defendant. | Presents evidence that opposes the defendant’s case. |
| 12 | The doctor warned him against smoking. | Advises against a harmful habit. |
| 13 | The environmental group is lobbying against deforestation. | Actively opposes the clearing of forests. |
| 14 | The union went on strike against unfair labor practices. | Shows organized resistance to employment conditions. |
| 15 | The small business struggled against the larger corporations. | Demonstrates competition against bigger companies. |
| 16 | The opposition party rallied against the government’s policies. | Expresses political disagreement and resistance. |
| 17 | The consumer advocate fought against deceptive advertising. | Opposes misleading promotional practices. |
| 18 | The townspeople united against the proposed development project. | Shows collective opposition to a local plan. |
| 19 | The scientist argued against the prevailing theory. | Presents a contrasting viewpoint to an established idea. |
| 20 | The team played against all odds and won. | The team overcame significant challenges to win. |
| 21 | She rallied the community against the proposed changes. | Organizing community opposition to the changes. |
| 22 | He built a strong case against the defendant. | Constructing a compelling argument against the accused. |
| 23 | They marched against violence and injustice. | Protesting violence and inequality. |
| 24 | The evidence stacked up against him. | The evidence pointed towards his guilt. |
| 25 | The company took a stand against discrimination. | The company publicly opposed discrimination. |
Examples of “Against” Indicating Physical Contact
This table demonstrates how “against” is used to describe physical touch or leaning.
| # | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | She leaned against the oak tree, enjoying the shade. | Describes her body being in contact with the tree. |
| 2 | The bicycle was propped against the fence. | Indicates the bike is leaning on the fence for support. |
| 3 | He pressed the cold compress against his forehead. | Shows direct contact between the compress and his skin. |
| 4 | The painting was hung against the textured wallpaper. | Describes the painting being in contact with the wall. |
| 5 | The boat bumped gently against the dock. | Indicates a soft collision between the boat and the dock. |
| 6 | The bookshelf was pushed against the wall to save space. | Describes the bookshelf being placed directly next to the wall. |
| 7 | The child snuggled against his mother for comfort. | Shows close physical contact for reassurance. |
| 8 | The poster was pasted against the bulletin board. | Indicates the poster is attached directly to the board. |
| 9 | The climber secured the rope against the rock face. | Describes the rope being fastened to the rock. |
| 10 | The injured bird fluttered against the windowpane. | Shows the bird hitting the window. |
| 11 | The ladder rested against the side of the house. | The ladder was placed for support. |
| 12 | He held the bandage against the cut. | Applying pressure to stop bleeding. |
| 13 | The car skidded against the guardrail. | A scraping contact during an accident. |
| 14 | She braced herself against the swaying of the train. | Using her body for balance. |
| 15 | The dog rubbed its back against the furniture. | Scratching an itch by physical contact. |
| 16 | The artwork was displayed against a stark white wall. | The wall provided the background. |
| 17 | He shielded his eyes against the bright sunlight. | Using his hand for protection from light. |
| 18 | The climbers roped themselves together against the steep incline. | Using a rope for stability. |
| 19 | The waves crashed against the rocks. | Violent contact with the shore. |
| 20 | She pressed her ear against the door, listening intently. | Using physical contact to hear better. |
| 21 | The painting was leaning against the wall. | The painting was supported by the wall. |
| 22 | The cat purred as it rubbed against my leg. | The cat was showing affection through physical touch. |
| 23 | He slammed his fist against the table in anger. | Expressing anger through physical impact. |
| 24 | The flag fluttered against the flagpole. | The flag was in contact with the pole. |
| 25 | The snow piled up against the fence. | The snow accumulated next to the fence. |
Examples of “Against” Indicating Protection
This table illustrates how “against” is used to show defense or shielding from harm.
| # | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunscreen protects your skin against harmful UV rays. | Indicates the cream shields skin from radiation. |
| 2 | The insurance policy provides coverage against theft and damage. | Shows the policy protects from financial loss due to incidents. |
| 3 | The dam was built as a defense against flooding. | Indicates the dam prevents water from overflowing. |
| 4 | Wear a mask to protect yourself against airborne viruses. | Shows the mask shields from infection. |
| 5 | The company implemented security measures against cyberattacks. | Demonstrates preventing unauthorized access or data breaches. |
| 6 | The antivirus software protects your computer against malware. | Shows the software prevents infection and damage from malicious programs. |
| 7 | The emergency fund is a buffer against unexpected expenses. | Indicates the fund is a financial safety net. |
| 8 | The fortress was designed as a stronghold against invaders. | Shows the structure prevents enemy entry. |
| 9 | The law provides protection against discrimination in the workplace. | Demonstrates legal safeguards against unfair treatment. |
| 10 | The vaccine offers immunity against the disease. | Indicates the vaccine prevents infection. |
| 11 | The castle walls were built against enemy attacks. | Providing a barrier from invasion. |
| 12 | He wore gloves against the cold. | Protecting hands from freezing. |
| 13 | The umbrella shielded her against the rain. | Avoiding getting wet. |
| 14 | The company took precautions against potential lawsuits. | Preventing legal action. |
| 15 | They fortified the town against future sieges. | Strengthening defenses. |
| 16 | The government implemented measures against inflation. | Trying to control rising prices. |
| 17 | She built up her immune system against illness. | Strengthening the body’s defenses. |
| 18 | The witness was placed in protective custody against retaliation. | Ensuring safety from revenge. |
| 19 | The bank implemented security protocols against fraud. | Preventing fraudulent activities. |
| 20 | The coach prepared the team against their opponent’s strategies. | Anticipating and countering tactics. |
| 21 | He built a fence against the deer eating his garden. | Preventing animals from damaging the plants. |
| 22 | The community organized patrols against vandalism. | Preventing property damage. |
| 23 | The firewall protects the network against unauthorized access. | Securing the network from intrusions. |
| 24 | The company hedged its investments against market volatility. | Minimizing financial risk. |
| 25 | The government enacted laws against pollution. | Regulating and preventing environmental damage. |
Examples of “Against” Indicating Comparison
This table shows how “against” is used to provide context or highlight differences.
| # | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The vibrant colors stood out beautifully against the muted background. | Highlights contrast between colors and background. |
| 2 | Her calm demeanor was striking against the chaotic scene. | Shows contrast between her behavior and the surrounding environment. |
| 3 | The cost of the repair seemed minimal against the potential damage. | Highlights the cost-benefit ratio. |
| 4 | His success was even more impressive against the backdrop of his difficult upbringing. | Provides context to emphasize his accomplishments. |
| 5 | The small village looked picturesque against the towering mountains. | Shows the village in relation to the mountains. |
| 6 | The new model performed well against industry standards. | Comparing performance to established benchmarks. |
| 7 | Her kindness shone brightly against the general indifference. | Highlighting her compassion against a backdrop of apathy. |
| 8 | The old building looked magnificent against the clear blue sky. | Shows the building in relation to the sky. |
| 9 | The candidate’s honesty was refreshing against the usual political rhetoric. | Highlighting the difference compared to typical political speech. |
| 10 | The quiet melody was soothing against the loud city noises. | Shows contrast between the music and the environment. |
| 11 | The value of the stock rose sharply against market expectations. | Comparing performance to predictions. |
| 12 | Her small act of courage stood out against the pervasive fear. | Highlighting bravery in a fearful situation. |
| 13 | The simple design was effective against the complex alternatives. | Comparing simplicity to complexity. |
| 14 | His dedication seemed extraordinary against the laziness of others. | Highlighting dedication compared to laziness. |
| 15 | The historical artifacts looked fascinating against the modern museum setting. | Showing the artifacts in a contemporary context. |
| 16 | The warmth of the fire was comforting against the winter chill. | Comparing the temperature to the cold. |
| 17 | The taste of the sweet dessert was delightful against the savory meal. | Highlighting the contrast in flavors. |
| 18 | The clarity of her explanation was remarkable against the jargon-filled presentation. | Comparing clear language to technical terms. |
| 19 | The beauty of the flower was enhanced against the green foliage. | Showing the flower in relation to its background. |
| 20 | The success of the project was remarkable against initial doubts. | Demonstrates how the project succeeded despite skepticism. |
| 21 | The smooth surface contrasted sharply against the rough texture. | Highlighting the difference in tactile qualities. |
| 22 | His optimism was a welcome change against the prevailing pessimism. | A positive outlook amidst negativity. |
| 23 | The modern architecture stood out against the historic skyline. | A contemporary design contrasted with older buildings. |
| 24 | The team’s performance was analyzed against previous seasons. | Comparing current results to past achievements. |
| 25 | The artist’s unique style shone against the conventional art scene. | An original approach in a traditional context. |
Examples of “Against” Indicating Direction
This table illustrates how “against” can describe movement that causes impact or is contrary.
| # | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The waves crashed violently against the seawall. | Indicates the waves struck the wall forcefully. |
| 2 | He swam against the strong current, struggling to reach the shore. | Shows movement opposing the water’s flow. |
| 3 | The rain beat relentlessly against the windows. | Describes the rain striking the glass repeatedly. |
| 4 | The protesters marched against the traffic flow, disrupting the city. | Shows movement opposing the normal direction of vehicles. |
| 5 | The wind howled against the old house, rattling the windows. | Indicates the wind struck the house with force. |
| 6 | The ball ricocheted against the backboard before falling through the net. | Shows the ball hitting the backboard. |
| 7 | The climber struggled against the strong gusts of wind. | Fighting against the wind’s force to maintain balance. |
| 8 | The floodwaters surged against the sandbags, testing their strength. | Water pushing against the barriers. |
| 9 | The ship sailed against the prevailing winds, making slow progress. | Moving in a direction opposite to the wind. |
| 10 | The leaves swirled against the fence in the autumn breeze. | Leaves pushed by the wind contacting the fence. |
| 11 | The snowplow pushed against the heavy snowfall. | Clearing the snow. |
| 12 | He rowed against the tide. | Moving in the opposite direction of the tide. |
| 13 | The hail pelted against the roof. | Ice striking the building. |
| 14 | She leaned against the wind, trying to keep her balance. | Using her body to resist the wind. |
| 15 | The current pulled him against the rocks. | Water pushing him towards the rocks. |
| 16 | The dust blew against the closed windows. | Wind carrying dust. |
| 17 | He struggled against the crowd, trying to reach the exit. | Moving in the opposite direction of the people. |
| 18 | The branches scraped against the side of the house. | Wind causing branches to hit the building. |
| 19 | The mud splashed against her boots as she walked. | Walking through mud caused it to spray. |
| 20 | The river flowed against the dam. | The river’s current pushing on the dam. |
| 21 | The car struggled against the icy road. | The car was difficult to control on the ice. |
| 22 | They were fighting against the flow of people exiting the stadium. | Moving in the reverse direction of the crowd. |
| 23 | The boat pitched violently against the stormy seas. | The boat was rocked by the waves. |
| 24 | The flood waters pushed against the door. | The force of the water trying to enter the house. |
| 25 | He pressed the cloth against the bleeding wound. | He was attempting to stop the bleeding. |
Usage Rules for “Against”
Using “against” correctly involves understanding its different meanings and the contexts in which they apply. Here are some key rules to follow:
- Opposition: Use “against” to indicate disagreement, resistance, or competition. For example, “They protested against the new law.”
- Physical Contact: Use “against” to describe something touching or leaning on something else. For example, “She leaned against the wall.”
- Protection: Use “against” to indicate shielding or defense. For example, “The vaccine protects against the virus.”
- Comparison: Use “against” to provide context or highlight differences. For example, “The dark colors stood out against the white background.”
- Direction: Use “against” to describe movement that results in impact or is contrary to something else. For example, “The waves crashed against the shore.”
Exceptions and Special Cases:
- Some idiomatic expressions use “against” in specific ways. For example, “He has nothing against her” means he has no objections or negative feelings towards her.
- Be mindful of the verb used with “against.” Certain verbs are more commonly associated with specific meanings of “against.” For instance, “fight” is often used with “against” to indicate opposition.
Common Mistakes with “Against”
Learners often make mistakes with “against” due to its multiple meanings. Here are some common errors and how to correct them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She protected from the rain. | She protected herself against the rain. | “Against” is needed to show what she is protecting herself from. |
| He leaned on the wall. | He leaned against the wall. | “Against” is more appropriate to describe leaning for support. |
| They voted oppose the law. | They voted against the law. | “Against” is required to indicate opposition. |
| The colors stood with the background. | The colors stood against the background. | “Against” is used to show contrast or comparison. |
| The company defended of the lawsuit. | The company defended itself against the lawsuit. | “Against” is the correct preposition to use with defend in this context. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “against” with these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct use of “against.”
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The lawyer argued ________ the evidence presented. | against |
| 2 | She leaned _________ the tree to rest. | against |
| 3 | The insurance protects you _________ theft. | against |
| 4 | The bright colors stood out _________ the dark background. | against |
| 5 | The waves crashed _________ the rocks. | against |
| 6 | He wore a jacket ________ the cold. | against |
| 7 | The team competed _________ their rivals. | against |
| 8 | The boat bumped _________ the dock. | against |
| 9 | They protested _________ the new regulations. | against |
| 10 | She braced herself _________ the wind. | against |
Solve these exercises to practice using “against” in sentences.
- The lawyer argued ________ the evidence presented. against
- She leaned _________ the tree to rest. against
- The insurance protects you _________ theft. against
- The bright colors stood out _________ the dark background. against
- The waves crashed _________ the rocks. against
- He wore a jacket ________ the cold. against
- The team competed _________ their rivals. against
- The boat bumped _________ the dock. against
- They protested _________ the new regulations. against
- She braced herself _________ the wind. against
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of using “against”:
- “Against” in Abstract Contexts: “Against” can be used to describe abstract concepts such as fighting against time, struggling against odds, or protecting against emotional harm.
- Phrasal Verbs with “Against”: Some phrasal verbs incorporate “against,” such as “set against” (to compare or contrast) and “weigh against” (to have a negative influence).
- Nuances in Meaning: Depending on the context, “against” can convey subtle differences in meaning. For example, “competing against” implies a direct contest, while “fighting against” suggests a more serious struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should I use “against” versus other similar prepositions like “on” or “to”?
Use “against” when indicating opposition, physical contact for support, protection, comparison showing contrast, or movement resulting in impact. Use “on” to indicate a surface or position, and “to” to indicate direction or recipient.
The choice depends on the specific relationship you want to convey.
Can “against” be used in formal writing?
Yes, “against” is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, ensure that its usage aligns with the intended meaning and context to maintain clarity and precision.
Is it correct to say “I have nothing against that”?
Yes, this is a common and correct idiomatic expression. It means you have no objections or negative feelings toward something.
How can I improve my understanding of when to use “against”?
Practice is key. Read widely, pay attention to how native speakers use “against,” and try incorporating it into your own writing and speaking.
Review examples and usage rules regularly.
Conclusion
The preposition “against” is a powerful tool for expressing a variety of relationships in English. By understanding its different meanings and following the usage rules outlined in this article, you can use “against” accurately and confidently.
Whether you’re indicating opposition, describing physical contact, providing protection, making comparisons, or showing direction, mastering “against” will enhance your communication skills and make your English more precise and effective.