ENGLISH
REFERENCE

go against

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to oppose someone or something, or to be the opposite of a rule, belief, or feeling.

phr. v.. to oppose or resist a person, authority, or principle; to be in contradiction with a specific rule or standard.


SIMPLE

I don't want to go against my parents' wishes.

CONTEXTUAL

The judge's final decision went against everything the lawyers had argued during the trial.

COMPLEX

The proposed expansion of the factory goes against the local council's long-term commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development.

Particles
against
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
go + against + object
Usage

inseparable phrasal verb that requires a direct object representing the person or idea being opposed.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'contradict' for ideas and 'disobey' for rules; 'go against' is a versatile, high-frequency alternative that covers both.

Pitfall

The plan goes against of the rules.The plan goes against the rules.the preposition 'against' is followed directly by the object without adding 'of'.

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