Understanding the Phrasal Verb: How to Use "Go Against" Correctly

Learning English phrasal verbs can often feel like a challenging puzzle, but unlocking their meanings is crucial for achieving true fluency and a deeper understanding of English. This post is dedicated to demystifying one such common yet multifaceted phrasal verb: go against. If you're aiming to elevate your conversational skills and written expression, grasping how go against functions in various contexts is essential. We will thoroughly explore its different meanings, common grammatical structures, useful related synonyms, and provide practical exercises to ensure you can use go against confidently and accurately in your daily communication. Get ready to enhance your English vocabulary and navigate conversations with greater ease!

Table of Contents

• What Does Go Against Mean?
• Structure with Go Against
• Related Phrases and Synonyms
• Practice Time!
• Conclusion

What Does Go Against Mean?

The phrasal verb go against is a versatile expression that generally signifies opposition, contradiction, or a lack of agreement with something or someone. It conveys a sense of resistance or conflict, which can manifest against a person's wishes, established rules, deeply held principles, or even one's own natural inclinations or expectations. Recognizing the specific nuance of go against in different sentences is key to interpreting and using it correctly, making your English sound more natural and precise.

More: Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Get up to': Meaning and Usage

Structure with Go Against

The phrasal verb go against is typically transitive, meaning it requires an object to complete its meaning. Understanding its grammatical patterns is as important as knowing its definitions. Let's delve into its common meanings and the structures associated with them.

Meaning 1: To oppose, resist, or challenge someone or something.

This is a core meaning of go against, indicating an active stance of disagreement or confrontation. It can apply to people, ideas, decisions, or systems.

• Structure: Subject + go against + Noun/Pronoun (person, idea, decision, system, etc.)
• Example 1: Despite the pressure, she decided to go against her parents' wishes and pursue a career in experimental art.
• Example 2: The small startup had to go against a much larger, well-established competitor in the fierce market.
• Example 3: Many citizens chose to go against the proposed changes to the local park.

Meaning 2: To not be in accordance with or to violate a rule, principle, expectation, or one's nature.

When go against is used in this sense, it means to act contrary to something established or inherent. This could be a formal law, a moral code, a social norm, or even a personal characteristic. It often implies a breach or an inconsistency.

• Structure: Subject + go against + Noun (rule, principle, nature, the grain, advice, etc.)
• Example 1: His recent actions directly go against everything he passionately claims to believe in.
• Example 2: It would go against my fundamental principles to lie about what happened, especially under oath.
• Example 3: Telling a white lie sometimes feels like it goes against your better judgment.

Meaning 3: To be unfavorable, disadvantageous, or to work to the detriment of someone or something.

In this context, go against suggests that circumstances, evidence, or outcomes are not working in someone's favor or are creating difficulties for them. It implies a negative or hindering effect.

• Structure: Subject (often "things," "the evidence," "the decision," or a situation) + go against + Noun/Pronoun (person, plan, interests, etc.)
• Example 1: The mounting evidence presented by the prosecution seemed to go against the defendant during the lengthy trial.
• Example 2: Unfortunately, the sudden change in weather might go against our carefully laid plans for an outdoor wedding.
• Example 3: The judge's final ruling will likely go against the company's appeal.

Meaning 4: To compete or contend with someone or something, especially in sports or formal competitions.

This usage of go against specifically highlights the aspect of being in direct competition or opposition within a structured contest.

• Structure: Subject (team/person/competitor) + go against + Noun (opponent team/person/competitor)
• Example 1: Our university's debate team will go against the reigning champions in the final round of the tournament.
• Example 2: She knew it would be an uphill battle to go against such an experienced and highly-ranked player in the chess match.
• Example 3: In the next race, the underdog will go against the current record holder.

More: Understanding the English Phrasal Verb: How to Use 'Get Together' Correctly

Related Phrases and Synonyms

Understanding synonyms can enrich your vocabulary and help you express similar ideas in different ways. Here are some words related to go against:

Using these alternatives can make your English more varied and nuanced, especially when discussing situations where you might use go against. For instance, if something goes against the rules, it defies the rules. If a decision goes against someone, it might be unfavorable to them.

More: Mastering 'Get Through To': Understanding & Using the Phrasal Verb

Practice Time!

Let's test your understanding of go against and its nuances!

Question 1: Which sentence uses "go against" to mean 'oppose a decision'? a) The wind might go against our sailing plans.

b) She decided to go against her initial judgment.

c) The team will go against their rivals tomorrow.

d) The final score will go against their previous record.

Correct answer: b

Question 2: "His actions __________ his stated beliefs." Which phrasal verb best fits the blank? a) go along with

b) go for

c) go against

d) go over

Correct answer: c

Question 3: What is a synonym for "go against" when it means to violate a rule? a) Support

b) Follow

c) Defy

d) Agree

Correct answer: c

Question 4: "It would __________ my nature to betray a friend." Choose the correct completion. a) go against

b) go with

c) go after

d) go by

Correct answer: a

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like go against significantly boosts your English communication skills. By understanding its various meanings—to oppose, contradict, be unfavorable, or compete—and its common structures, you can use it accurately and effectively. Remember that consistent exposure and usage are key. Keep practicing with different examples and contexts, and soon you'll find yourself using go against with confidence. Happy learning, and continue to explore the rich world of English phrasal verbs!