go against: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Semi-formal, Informal
Quick answer
What does “go against” mean?
To oppose, contradict, or act in a way that conflicts with something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To oppose, contradict, or act in a way that conflicts with something.
To be unfavourable or disadvantageous to someone; to violate a principle, rule, or someone's wishes; to resist or defy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or structure. Minor lexical preferences in collocations (e.g., 'go against the grain' slightly more common in UK).
Connotations
Identical. Carries connotations of rebellion, conflict, or ill-advised action.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “go against” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] + go against + [OBJECT: principle/rule/person/advice]It + go against + [OBJECT] + to-INFINITIVEVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “go against” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Her decision went against the company's ethos.
- It went against the referee's ruling.
- To cheat would go against everything I stand for.
American English
- The verdict went against the defendant.
- It goes against my better judgment to agree.
- Lobbying against the bill goes against public interest.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Deciding to go against the board's recommendation could risk your position.
Academic
These findings go against the prevailing theory in the field.
Everyday
It really goes against me to lie, even for a good cause.
Technical
Applying force in that direction would go against the established fluid dynamics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “go against”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “go against”
- Using 'go against' with 'to' (e.g., 'It goes against to my beliefs' – INCORRECT). Forgetting that the object follows directly ('go against my beliefs' – CORRECT). Overusing for physical movement ('He went against the wall' is incorrect for meaning 'leaned on').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not in modern standard usage. It is used metaphorically for abstract opposition or conflict. For physical movement against something, use 'lean against', 'push against', etc.
'Go against' is often more idiomatic and can imply an internal conflict or a violation of an abstract principle. 'Oppose' is more direct and general for being against an idea, plan, or person. 'Go against' often has the subject as the action/thing causing conflict ('The plan goes against...'), while 'oppose' often has the subject as the person/group resisting ('We oppose the plan').
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object always comes after the full phrase: 'go against + object'.
It is neutral and usable in formal, semi-formal, and informal contexts. In highly formal legal or academic writing, synonyms like 'contravene' or 'contradict' might be preferred.
To oppose, contradict, or act in a way that conflicts with something.
Go against: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊ əˈɡenst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊ əˈɡenst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go against the grain”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a salmon swimming UPSTREAM, going AGAINST the current. It's a struggle against the natural flow.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSITION IS MOVEMENT IN CONFLICTING DIRECTIONS.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'go against' used CORRECTLY?