What are the definitions of “pit against”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Compete or force to compete.
The war PITTED neighbour AGAINST neighbour.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pit against”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pit against is to make two or more people, groups, or things compete or fight against each other. It is often used to describe situations where individuals or groups are forced to face each other in a contest or conflict.
What are the different verb forms of “pit against”?
| Root Verb | pit against |
| Third Person Singular Present | pits against |
| Present Participle | pitting against |
| Simple Past | pitted against |
| Past Participle | pitted against |
Example
The game show pits contestants against each other in a battle of wits.
Example
The competition pits the best teams against each other.
Example
The tournament is pitting rivals against each other for the championship.
Example
The debate pitted the two candidates against each other.
Example
The teams were pitted against each other in a fierce competition.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pit against”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“pit against” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The competition pitted the two teams against each other.
Example
The war pitted neighbor against neighbor.
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
“pit 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 competition pitted the two teams against each other.
Example
The war pitted neighbor against neighbor.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pit against”?
Good things to know
Does “pit against” have an informal or formal tone?
Pit against is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as academic discussions or professional reports.
