What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
against
Example
I am against the idea of cutting down more trees in the park. [against: preposition]
Example
The football player ran against the defender and knocked him down. [against: adverb]
Example
Weighing the pros and cons of a decision, I found myself leaning against taking the job offer. [against: preposition]
versus
Example
The basketball game tonight is Lakers versus Celtics. [versus: preposition]
Example
The court case is Smith versus Johnson. [versus: preposition]
Example
The book highlights the differences between traditional and modern approaches to education, comparing them side by side. [versus: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Against is more commonly used than versus in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts. Versus is more commonly used in formal or academic settings, such as legal cases or scholarly articles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between against and versus?
Versus is more formal and academic than against, which is more commonly used in everyday language and informal contexts.
