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Prepositions after adjectives

opposite to or opposite in?

Opposite to is a standard way to compare contrasting things. Opposite in is only used when in introduces a separate area or aspect.

Quick answer

Opposite to vs opposite in

Use opposite to for contrast or position: Her opinion is opposite to mine. Opposite in is not a fixed combination; in usually introduces the area of difference, as in They are opposite in temperament.

His view is opposite to mine.
The two brothers are opposite in personality.
The hotel stands opposite to the station.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
opposite to + noun/pronoun

Expressing contrast or facing position

Use opposite to for contrasting ideas or physical position.

Her reaction was opposite to expectations.
The café is opposite to the library.
2
opposite in + area/quality

Showing difference in one aspect

In introduces the category or feature where the contrast exists.

The twins are opposite in character.
Their methods are opposite in style.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
opposite to
His answer was opposite to mine.
The standard pattern for contrast or facing position.
opposite in
They are opposite in attitude.
In introduces the aspect where two things differ.
opposite from
Her experience was opposite from ours.
Used by some speakers, especially in North American English, but opposite to is more widely preferred in formal writing.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using opposite in before a person or thing directly

Use opposite to when directly comparing two nouns.

✕ Her opinion is opposite in mine. ✓ Her opinion is opposite to mine.

Confusing aspect and comparison

In should introduce a quality or area, not the object of comparison.

✕ The building is opposite in the station. ✓ The building is opposite to the station.

Omitting the aspect after in

Opposite in normally needs a noun describing the area of difference.

✕ The sisters are opposite in. ✓ The sisters are opposite in temperament.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. His political views are ___ hers.
2. The brothers are ___ personality.
3. The bank is ___ the post office.

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Frequently asked questions

Is opposite to correct in modern English?

Yes. It is standard and widely used for comparison and position.

When can I use opposite in?

Use it when in introduces the quality or category where things differ, such as opposite in style.

Can opposite be used without to?

Yes. In everyday English, people often say The bank is opposite the station.

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