Mastering “Against”: Sentence Examples and Usage Guide
The preposition “against” is a versatile word in the English language, used to express opposition, contact, protection, comparison, and more. Understanding its various uses is crucial for clear and effective communication. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using “against” in sentences, with numerous examples, explanations, and practice exercises to help you master this important preposition. Whether you are an English language learner or simply looking to refine your grammar skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to use “against” correctly in any context.
This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. It is also beneficial for native English speakers who wish to refresh their knowledge of grammar rules. By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of the different ways “against” is used and be able to construct grammatically correct and meaningful sentences using this preposition. Dive in and let’s explore the nuances of “against.”
Table of Contents
- Definition of “Against”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Usage
- Examples of “Against” in Sentences
- Usage Rules for “Against”
- Common Mistakes with “Against”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “Against”
The preposition “against” is a word that indicates opposition, contact, support, protection, comparison, or background. It’s used to show a relationship between a noun or pronoun and another element in the sentence. Its meaning can vary depending on the context, making it a versatile and frequently used word in the English language.
Classification: “Against” is classified as a preposition. Prepositions are words that connect nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence to show relationships of time, place, direction, etc.
Function: The primary function of “against” is to express a relationship, such as opposition (He fought against the enemy), physical contact (She leaned against the wall), or protection (The shield protected him against the arrows). It helps to provide context and clarify the connection between different elements within a sentence.
Contexts: “Against” can be used in a wide variety of contexts, from formal writing to everyday conversation. Understanding its different meanings and applications is essential for effective communication. It can appear in argumentative essays, descriptive narratives, news reports, and casual dialogues.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure involving “against” is typically: Noun/Pronoun + Verb + Against + Noun/Pronoun. However, the placement and function can vary slightly depending on the specific meaning being conveyed.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Subject: The subject of the sentence performs the action.
- Verb: The verb indicates the action or state of being.
- “Against”: The preposition “against” connects the verb (or sometimes the subject) to the object.
- Object: The object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action or is related to the subject through the preposition.
Example: The waves crashed against the shore.
In this example:
- Subject: The waves
- Verb: crashed
- Against: against
- Object: the shore
The prepositional phrase “against the shore” modifies the verb “crashed,” indicating where the waves crashed.
Another Example: She argued against the proposal.
Here:
- Subject: She
- Verb: argued
- Against: against
- Object: the proposal
The prepositional phrase “against the proposal” indicates what she argued against, showing opposition.
Types of Usage
“Against” has several distinct types of usage, each conveying a different nuance. Understanding these different usages is crucial for using “against” effectively and accurately.
Opposition and Resistance
This is one of the most common uses of “against.” It indicates disagreement, conflict, or resistance to something. It can range from mild disapproval to active combat.
Physical Contact and Support
In this usage, “against” describes something being in physical contact with or supported by something else. It often implies a resting or leaning position.
Protection and Defense
Here, “against” indicates that something is being used as a shield or defense against harm or danger. It suggests a protective barrier or measure.
Comparison and Contrast
In some contexts, “against” can be used to compare or contrast two things, often highlighting their differences. This usage might involve evaluating something in relation to a standard or benchmark.
Background or Setting
This usage describes something happening in the context of something else, acting as a backdrop or setting. It’s less common but important to recognize.
Preparation
This usage describes something being prepared for something else, or the act of preparing for something.
Examples of “Against” in Sentences
To fully grasp the different uses of “against,” let’s examine a variety of examples categorized by the type of usage.
Opposition and Resistance Examples
This section illustrates how “against” is used to express disagreement, conflict, or resistance. These examples cover a range of scenarios, from political opposition to personal disagreements.
The table below provides a comprehensive list of examples demonstrating the use of “against” to indicate opposition and resistance.
| # | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The citizens protested against the new law. | Shows public opposition to a legislative decision. |
| 2 | He argued against the proposal in the meeting. | Indicates disagreement with a suggested plan. |
| 3 | She voted against the resolution. | Expresses formal opposition in a voting context. |
| 4 | They fought against the invaders. | Depicts physical resistance to an invading force. |
| 5 | The lawyer argued against the prosecution’s case. | Shows legal opposition in a court setting. |
| 6 | Many people are against the war. | Indicates widespread disapproval of a conflict. |
| 7 | The athlete competed against the world champion. | Shows competition and resistance against a strong opponent. |
| 8 | The company is battling against bankruptcy. | Indicates a struggle to avoid financial ruin. |
| 9 | I am against animal cruelty. | Expresses strong disapproval of a specific practice. |
| 10 | The team played against all odds. | Shows resistance and effort despite unfavorable circumstances. |
| 11 | The doctor advised against smoking. | Indicates a warning against a harmful habit. |
| 12 | She spoke against injustice. | Expresses opposition to unfair treatment. |
| 13 | They rallied against the government’s policies. | Shows organized opposition to governmental actions. |
| 14 | He stood against the crowd. | Indicates individual resistance to a group consensus. |
| 15 | The rebels fought against the regime. | Depicts armed resistance against an established authority. |
| 16 | We are campaigning against deforestation. | Shows organized efforts to oppose environmental destruction. |
| 17 | The community is united against crime. | Indicates collective opposition to illegal activities. |
| 18 | The scientist argued against the prevailing theory. | Shows intellectual opposition to an accepted idea. |
| 19 | They defended themselves against the accusations. | Indicates resistance to and protection from allegations. |
| 20 | He braced himself against the impact. | Shows preparation and resistance to an oncoming force. |
| 21 | The company is fighting against a hostile takeover. | Indicates resistance to an unwanted acquisition. |
| 22 | She is against the idea of mandatory overtime. | Expresses disapproval of a workplace policy. |
| 23 | The union is striking against unfair labor practices. | Shows organized labor resistance to employer actions. |
| 24 | He shielded his eyes against the sun. | Indicates protection from the sun’s glare. |
| 25 | The foundation works against poverty. | Shows efforts to combat and alleviate poverty. |
Physical Contact and Support Examples
This section provides examples of “against” used to describe physical contact or support. These examples illustrate how “against” indicates that something is touching or leaning on something else.
The table below provides a comprehensive list of examples demonstrating the use of “against” to indicate physical contact and support.
| # | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | She leaned against the wall to rest. | Indicates physical contact for support. |
| 2 | The ladder was placed against the building. | Describes the position of the ladder for stability. |
| 3 | He pressed the bandage against the wound. | Shows direct physical contact for treatment. |
| 4 | The boat bumped against the dock. | Indicates accidental physical contact between two objects. |
| 5 | The painting was hung against a blue background. | Describes the painting’s position relative to the wall. |
| 6 | The child snuggled against his mother. | Indicates close physical contact for comfort. |
| 7 | The bicycle was parked against the fence. | Describes the position of the bicycle for support. |
| 8 | The waves crashed against the rocks. | Shows forceful physical contact between water and stone. |
| 9 | He held the phone against his ear. | Indicates physical contact for communication. |
| 10 | The posters were plastered against the wall. | Describes the posters’ adherence to the wall. |
| 11 | The tree grew against the house. | Indicates the proximity and contact of the tree with the house. |
| 12 | She rested her head against the window. | Shows gentle physical contact for relaxation. |
| 13 | The box was placed against the door. | Describes the position of the box, possibly to block the door. |
| 14 | The rain beat against the windows. | Indicates forceful physical contact of rain with the windows. |
| 15 | He braced his feet against the floor. | Shows physical contact to provide stability. |
| 16 | The picture frame leaned against the shelf. | Describes the position of the frame for support. |
| 17 | She held the baby against her chest. | Indicates close physical contact for comfort and security. |
| 18 | The car skidded against the guardrail. | Shows accidental and forceful physical contact. |
| 19 | He leaned his bicycle against the lamppost. | Describes the position of the bicycle for temporary support. |
| 20 | The snow piled up against the fence. | Indicates the accumulation of snow against a barrier. |
| 21 | The climber pressed himself against the rock face. | Shows deliberate physical contact for climbing. |
| 22 | The cat rubbed against my leg. | Indicates gentle physical contact, often as a sign of affection. |
| 23 | The old bookshelf was propped against the wall. | Describes the bookshelf’s position, relying on the wall for support. |
| 24 | The sculptor molded the clay against a wire frame. | Indicates physical contact used as a foundation for creation. |
| 25 | The sail flapped against the mast in the wind. | Shows how the wind causes the sail to come into contact with the mast. |
Protection and Defense Examples
This section focuses on examples where “against” is used to indicate protection or defense. These examples illustrate how something is used as a shield or barrier against harm.
The table below provides a comprehensive list of examples demonstrating the use of “against” to indicate protection and defense.
| # | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunscreen protects your skin against sunburn. | Indicates that sunscreen prevents sunburn. |
| 2 | The vaccine protects against the virus. | Shows that the vaccine provides immunity. |
| 3 | He wore a mask against the dust. | Indicates that the mask shields him from dust. |
| 4 | The insurance protects against financial loss. | Shows that the insurance mitigates financial risk. |
| 5 | The fortress defended the city against invasion. | Indicates that the fortress protected the city from invaders. |
| 6 | The shield protected the soldiers against the arrows. | Shows that the shield provided a physical barrier. |
| 7 | The company has safeguards against fraud. | Indicates measures taken to prevent fraud. |
| 8 | We need to build defenses against cyber attacks. | Shows the need for protective measures against online threats. |
| 9 | The antivirus software protects against malware. | Indicates that the software prevents malware infections. |
| 10 | The raincoat protects against the rain. | Shows that the raincoat shields from rain. |
| 11 | The fence protects the garden against rabbits. | Indicates that the fence keeps rabbits out of the garden. |
| 12 | The law protects citizens against discrimination. | Shows that the law prevents discriminatory practices. |
| 13 | The dam protects the town against flooding. | Indicates that the dam prevents the town from being flooded. |
| 14 | The helmet protects your head against injury. | Shows that the helmet prevents head injuries. |
| 15 | The filter protects the engine against dirt. | Indicates that the filter keeps dirt out of the engine. |
| 16 | The gloves protect your hands against the cold. | Shows that the gloves provide warmth and prevent frostbite. |
| 17 | The security system protects against theft. | Indicates that the system prevents burglaries. |
| 18 | The barrier protects the construction site against accidents. | Shows that the barrier prevents accidents at the site. |
| 19 | The warranty protects against manufacturing defects. | Indicates that the warranty covers defects. |
| 20 | The forest protects the soil against erosion. | Shows that the forest prevents soil erosion. |
| 21 | The firewall protects the network against unauthorized access. | Indicates that the firewall prevents hacking. |
| 22 | She wore sunglasses against the glare. | Shows that sunglasses protect your eyes from the glare. |
| 23 | The emergency fund provides a buffer against unexpected expenses. | Indicates that the fund provides financial security. |
| 24 | The life jacket protects against drowning. | Shows the life jacket prevents drowning. |
| 25 | The curtains protect the furniture against fading. | Indicates that the curtains prevent furniture from fading. |
Comparison and Contrast Examples
This section provides examples of “against” used to compare or contrast two things. These examples illustrate how “against” highlights the differences or evaluates something in relation to a standard.
The table below provides a comprehensive list of examples demonstrating the use of “against” to indicate comparison and contrast.
| # | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | His performance was judged against the previous record. | Indicates a comparison to a benchmark. |
| 2 | The cost of living here is low against the national average. | Shows a comparison to a national standard. |
| 3 | Her success is remarkable against such adversity. | Highlights her achievement in difficult circumstances. |
| 4 | The benefits are weighed against the risks. | Indicates a comparison of advantages and disadvantages. |
| 5 | The candidate’s promises were measured against his past actions. | Shows a comparison of words and deeds. |
| 6 | The value of the investment was assessed against market trends. | Indicates a comparison to economic indicators. |
| 7 | The new model was tested against the older version. | Shows a comparison of two versions of a product. |
| 8 | The project’s progress was evaluated against the initial plan. | Indicates a comparison to the original expectations. |
| 9 | The quality of the product was compared against its price. | Shows a comparison of value and cost. |
| 10 | The student’s work was graded against the grading rubric. | Indicates a comparison to a set of criteria. |
| 11 | The company’s performance this year is poor against last year. | Shows a comparison of current and previous performance. |
| 12 | The outcome was different against what we expected. | Indicates a contrast between reality and expectations. |
| 13 | Her salary is high against others in her field. | Shows a comparison to industry standards. |
| 14 | The team’s success is impressive against their limited resources. | Highlights their achievement despite constraints. |
| 15 | The painting looks vibrant against the neutral wall. | Shows a contrast between the painting and its background. |
| 16 | The new policy was reviewed against the existing regulations. | Indicates a comparison to current rules. |
| 17 | His claims were checked against the evidence. | Shows a comparison of statements and facts. |
| 18 | The software was benchmarked against its competitors. | Indicates a comparison to other products in the market. |
| 19 | The candidate’s platform was contrasted against his opponent’s. | Shows a comparison of political views. |
| 20 | The movie was rated against other films in its genre. | Indicates a comparison to similar movies. |
| 21 | The athlete’s speed was clocked against the Olympic record. | Compares the athlete’s speed to a world-class standard. |
| 22 | The flavor of the new drink was compared against the old one. | Shows a comparison of taste between two beverages. |
| 23 | The effectiveness of the drug was tested against a placebo. | Shows a comparison of drug effects versus no drug effects. |
| 24 | The design of the building was judged against architectural standards. | Indicates a comparison to established design principles. |
| 25 | The user-friendliness of the app was assessed against other apps. | Shows a comparison of ease of use between different apps. |
Background or Setting Examples
This section provides examples of “against” used to indicate a background or setting. These examples illustrate how something happens in the context of something else.
The table below provides a comprehensive list of examples demonstrating the use of “against” to indicate a background or setting.
| # | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The dark clouds loomed against the bright sky. | Shows clouds as a backdrop to the sky. |
| 2 | The white snow stood out against the green forest. | Indicates snow as a foreground element against the forest. |
| 3 | The building was silhouetted against the setting sun. | Shows the building’s outline against the sunset. |
| 4 | The stars twinkled against the blackness of space. | Indicates stars as points of light against space. |
| 5 | The flags fluttered against the blue sky. | Shows flags in the context of the sky. |
| 6 | The graffiti stood out against the brick wall. | Indicates graffiti as a foreground element against the wall. |
| 7 | The colorful flowers contrasted against the gray stones. | Shows flowers in the context of the stones. |
| 8 | The lighthouse shone brightly against the stormy sea. | Indicates lighthouse light against the sea. |
| 9 | The moon appeared against the twilight sky. | Shows moon in the context of the sky. |
| 10 | The mountains were visible against the horizon. | Indicates mountains in the context of the horizon. |
Preparation Examples
This section provides examples of “against” used to indicate preparation for something. These examples illustrate how something is being prepared for an expected event.
The table below provides a comprehensive list of examples demonstrating the use of “against” to indicate preparation.
| # | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | We are saving money against a rainy day. | Saving in preparation for a future need. |
| 2 | They are stocking up on supplies against the storm. | Preparing for the expected storm. |
| 3 | The city is preparing against the upcoming festival. | Preparing the city for the festival. |
| 4 | She is training against the marathon. | Training in preparation for the marathon. |
| 5 | The company is investing against future growth. | Investing in preparation for future growth. |
Usage Rules for “Against”
Using “against” correctly requires understanding its various meanings and the contexts in which it can be used. Here are some key usage rules:
- Opposition: When indicating opposition, ensure that the sentence clearly identifies what is being opposed. For example, “He voted against the bill” is clear, while “He voted against” is incomplete.
- Contact: When indicating physical contact, ensure that the sentence clearly identifies what is in contact with what. For example, “She leaned against the wall” is clear, while “She leaned against” is ambiguous.
- Protection: When indicating protection, ensure that the sentence clearly identifies what is being protected from what. For example, “Sunscreen protects against sunburn” is clear, while “Sunscreen protects” is vague.
- Comparison: When indicating comparison, make sure the sentence clearly identifies what is being compared and the basis of the comparison. For example, “His performance was judged against the previous record” is clear, while “His performance was judged” lacks context.
- Context: Always consider the context of the sentence to ensure that “against” is used appropriately. The intended meaning should be clear from the surrounding words and phrases.
Exceptions and Special Cases:
- In some idiomatic expressions, the meaning of “against” may not be immediately obvious. For example, “up against it” means facing difficulties.
- “Against all odds” is a common phrase meaning despite facing significant challenges.
Common Mistakes with “Against”
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes when using “against.” Here are some common errors to watch out for:
Incorrect: She protected from the rain.
Correct: She protected herself against the rain.
Explanation: The preposition “against” is needed to show what she is protecting herself from.
Incorrect: He argued to the plan.
Correct: He argued against the plan.
Explanation: “Against” is the correct preposition to indicate opposition to a plan.
Incorrect: The ladder was leaned on the wall.
Correct: The ladder was leaned against the wall.
Explanation: “Against” indicates that the ladder is in contact with and supported by the wall.
Incorrect: I am agree against that.
Correct: I am against that.
Explanation: The correct phrase is “to be against something,” indicating opposition.
Incorrect: They battled with the enemy.
Correct: They battled against the enemy.
Explanation: While “with” can indicate cooperation, “against” clearly indicates opposition in a battle.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “against” with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition.
Exercise 1:
| # | Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | They protested ______ the war. | against |
| 2 | She leaned ______ the tree. | against |
| 3 | The shield protected him ______ the arrows. | against |
| 4 | His performance was judged ______ the previous record. | against |
| 5 | The dark clouds loomed ______ the bright sky. | against |
| 6 | We are saving money ______ a rainy day. | against |
| 7 | He argued ______ the new policy. | against |
| 8 | The boat bumped ______ the dock. | against |
| 9 | The vaccine protects ______ the flu. | against |
| 10 | The cost of living is low ______ the national average. | against |
Exercise 2:
| # | Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The lawyer argued ______ the evidence. | against |
| 2 | She pressed the cloth ______ the wound. | against |
| 3 | The insurance protects ______ theft. | against |
| 4 | Her success is remarkable ______ all odds. | against |
| 5 | The stars twinkled ______ the night sky. | against |
| 6 | They are preparing ______ the upcoming competition. | against |
| 7 | He stood ______ the crowd. | against |
| 8 | The waves crashed ______ the shore. | against |
| 9 | The helmet is used ______ head injuries. | against |
| 10 | The benefits must be weighed ______ the risks. | against |
Exercise 3: Rewrite the following sentences using “against” in a meaningful way.
| # | Original Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | He disagreed with the decision. | He argued against the decision. |
| 2 | She was leaning on the wall. | She leaned against the wall. |
| 3 | The shield protected him from attack. | The shield protected him against the attack. |
| 4 | The performance was compared to the standard. | The performance was judged against the standard. |
| 5 | The clouds contrasted with the sky. | The clouds loomed against the sky. |
| 6 | They are saving for future problems. | They are saving against future problems. |
| 7 | He is fighting the proposal. | He is fighting against the proposal. |
| 8 | The rain hit the windows. | The rain beat against the windows. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring idiomatic expressions and nuanced usages of “against” can further enhance understanding. Here are some advanced topics:
- Idiomatic Expressions:
- Up against it: Facing difficulties or challenges. “The company is really up against it with the new regulations.”
- Against the grain: Contrary to one’s natural inclinations or feelings. “It goes against the grain for me to ask for help.”
- Run against: To compete against someone in an election. “She decided to run against the incumbent mayor.”
- Nuanced Usages:
- Figurative Opposition: “Against” can be used to express opposition in non-physical ways. “He set his will against despair.”
- Ethical Considerations: Using “against” to express moral opposition. “She stood against corruption.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can “against” be used interchangeably with “versus”?
While “against” and “versus” both indicate opposition, “versus” is typically used in formal contexts such as legal or sports settings. “Against” is more commonly used in everyday language.
Is it correct to say “protect from” instead of “protect against”?
Both “protect from” and “protect against” are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. “Protect from” often implies shielding from a direct impact, while “protect against” implies defending against a potential threat.
How do I know when to use “against” versus other prepositions like “with” or “for”?
The choice depends on the intended meaning. “Against” indicates opposition or contact, “with” indicates cooperation or accompaniment, and “for” indicates support or purpose. Consider the context and the relationship you want to convey.
Can “against” be used in a positive context?
Yes, “against” can be used in a positive context when it indicates preparation or protection. For example, “Saving against a rainy day” is a positive use of “against.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “against” involves understanding its various meanings and contexts. From indicating opposition and physical contact to providing protection and comparison, “against” is a versatile preposition that enriches the English language. By studying the examples, usage rules, and practice exercises in this guide, you can confidently and accurately use “against” in your writing and speaking. Keep practicing, and you’ll find that using “against” becomes second nature, enhancing your communication skills and overall fluency in English.
