What does the phrasal verb “go against” mean?

What are the definitions of “go against”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Lose a decision or a verdict of a court.

  If the decision GOES AGAINST me, I'll go bankrupt.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go against”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go against is to oppose or resist something or someone. For example, it can mean disagreeing with a decision, not following a rule, or acting contrary to someone's wishes.

What are the different verb forms of “go against”?

Root Verb	go against
Third Person Singular Present	goes against
Present Participle	going against
Simple Past	went against
Past Participle	gone against

Example

I will not go against my principles just to please you.

Example

It goes against his nature to be unkind.

Example

She is going against the crowd by supporting the underdog.

Example

They went against the advice of their lawyer and lost the case.

Example

He has gone against his parents' wishes and chosen a different career path.

What kind of phrasal verb is “go against”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“go against” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

The decision went against him.

Example

The verdict went against the defendant.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“go against” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The decision went against him.

Example

The verdict went against the defendant.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go against”?

Go against the grain

To act in opposition to what is generally expected or what is popular.

Example

She always goes against the grain, choosing to do things her own way.

Go against the flow

To behave or think in a way that is different from most other people.

Example

He decided to go against the flow and start his own business.

Go against the odds

To try to achieve something that is very difficult and unlikely to be successful.

Example

Despite the challenges, she went against the odds and won the competition.

Good things to know

Does “go against” have an informal or formal tone?

Go against is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In a formal setting, it might be used in legal or professional discussions. In an informal context, it can be used in everyday conversations.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “go against”?

Synonyms

• oppose
• contradict
• counter
• contravene
• resist
• defy
• disagree with
• rebel against

Antonyms

• support
• follow
• agree with
• conform to
• abide by
• comply with
• adhere to