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Prepositions before and after nouns

“In opposition” or “of opposition”?

In opposition is the standard expression for being against something or being outside government. Of opposition is uncommon and usually part of a larger noun phrase.

Quick answer

The usual expression

Use in opposition to describe resistance or a political position outside government. Of opposition is not normally used as a fixed phrase, but opposition of + noun can appear in formal structures such as “the opposition of local residents.”

Several members spoke in opposition to the proposal.
The party remained in opposition for eight years.
We faced strong opposition of local groups to the project.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in opposition to + noun

Showing disagreement or resistance

Use in opposition to when someone is against an idea, action, or group.

She voted in opposition to the bill.
Many residents organised in opposition to the plan.
2
in opposition

Political position outside government

In politics, in opposition means not being the governing party.

The coalition spent years in opposition before winning the election.
The party is currently in opposition.
3
opposition of + noun

Formal structure meaning resistance from someone

Opposition of is formal and usually followed by the group or person resisting something.

The project failed because of the opposition of local businesses.
They underestimated the opposition of senior staff.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in opposition
The party is in opposition.
Not in government or actively opposing something.
in opposition to
She spoke in opposition to the proposal.
Against a specific thing.
of opposition
The phrase “of opposition” alone is not idiomatic.
Not used as a standard fixed expression.
opposition of
They faced the opposition of residents.
Formal noun structure meaning resistance from people.

Common mistakes

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

Using “of opposition” as a fixed phrase

English does not normally use of opposition by itself.

✕ The group acted of opposition. ✓ The group acted in opposition.

Forgetting “to” after “in opposition”

Use to when naming the thing being opposed.

✕ She spoke in opposition the plan. ✓ She spoke in opposition to the plan.

Confusing political and general meanings

In opposition can refer either to politics or general disagreement.

✓ The party is in opposition.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The committee voted ___ the proposal.
2. After the election, the party remained ___.
3. Which sentence is formal but correct?

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Frequently asked questions

What does “in opposition” mean in politics?

It means a party is not part of the government.

Can I say “of opposition”?

Not as a standalone phrase. English normally uses in opposition or opposition of.

Is “opposition of” correct?

Yes, in formal contexts such as “the opposition of local residents.”

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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