phrase (prepositional contrast) · formal
as opposed to
UK/ˌæz əˈpəʊzd tuː/US/ˌæz əˈpoʊzd tuː/as a·OP·posed to
used to show contrast with a noun or gerund (X as opposed to Y = X in contrast to Y)
Examples
“She prefers essays as opposed to multiple-choice exams.”
“The committee voted for expansion as opposed to closure.”
“As opposed to last year, enrollment has increased considerably.”
Band 8 sentence
“As opposed to previous administrations, the new government has prioritized environmental regulation.”
Collocations
- as opposed to + noun/gerund
- X as opposed to Y
Word family
Common mistakes
As opposed with popular belief, people enjoy this sport.→As opposed to popular belief, people enjoy this sport.
She chose running, as opposed choosing swimming.→She chose running, as opposed to choosing swimming.
Say it for a higher band
5unlike→6in contrast to→7+as opposed to
Synonyms
in contrast to
Easily confused
unlike
“Unlike his brother, he enjoys outdoor activities.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Contrast
Learn it with its set