Most of you see the preposition “against” when reading and writing English passages. Especially when writing argumentative essays, you will often use “against” to express your opposition. However, do you know there are 6 different ways to use it? Figure out the 6 usages to avoid misunderstanding and wrongly using!

 

1. Opposition

 

She always speaks against anything she knows to be wrong.

 

2. Violation

 

That hotel has a regulation against smoking.

 

3. Prevention

 

My bicycle was stolen yesterday. Fortunately, I had already insured it against theft.

 

We must save money against old age.

 

4. Opposite/ Lean on

 

My house is over against the school.

 

Our family photo hangs against the wall in the living room.

 

5. Express competitors

 

Who is our basketball team playing against next week?

 

6. Comparison

 

As against last year, our sales increased by more than 32 percent.

 

7. Set off

 

Have you ever visited Korea in April? The cherry blossoms there look so beautiful against the blue sky.