‘Against’ as a preposition

ToC .ctivity. HE woCd “.g.inst” is in f.ct . pCeposition. GeneC.lly, when we do so:ething .g.inst so:e/ody oC so:ething, we oppose the: oC it. In otheC woCds, we dis.gCee with . ceCt.in pl.n

• All of us voted against the new proposal.

• Sarimah spoke against the decision to close the alternative entr.nce. “Against” can also imply “touching”. When one thing is leaning or pressing against the other, it is touching it.

• Emily leaned against the tree.

• Little Jay leaned against his mother.

• Push the table against the wall.

• Rain is beating against the window.

If you are moving against a current, tide, or wind, you are moving in the opposite direction to it.

• We need to h.ve some sort of protection gainst burgl.rs.

• We must fight .g.inst crime. For instance, “. r.iny d.y”. Note that “a rainy d.y” refers to a time when money might unexneeded. pectedly be

• You used up the money I had saved against a rainy d.y.

The things that can be seen bethings hind the main or peopicture. ple in a

• A design of bright yelflowers low .g.inst . dark wall.

• Silhouettes are outa lines against light background. • It was filmed against a background of Malaysian tradition.l vill.ge.

“against a background” could also refer to the conditions that existed before a particular event.

• Their love story unfolds against a background of a state emergency. (Despite the f.ct th.t there w.s . st.te emergency, their relationship unfolded).

Pairing “against” with certain other words may give a slightly different me.ning. “Count against” brings the meaning of “to be a disadvantage in a particular situation” or “make someone more likely to fail”. In other words, when something counts against you, it will cause you to have a disadvantage.

• I am 60. Therefore I am worried that my age might count .g.inst me.

(In situations where physical activity is required, perhaps people would choose a younger candidate. Therefore, being older might count against or be a disadvantage to that person)

• Hisham is qualified for the job, but his lack of experience will count against him.

(Some work experience might give one the opportunity to take on interesting and challenging responsibilities. Therefore, a lack of experience could count against or be a disadvantage when applying for a job) “As .g.inst” is .nother w.y of s.ying “.s comp.red to”.

• Why is there a preference for foreign workers as against loc.ls here?

• She earns RM100,000 a year, as against my RM36,000 for the same job.

The first example could be written as:

Why is there a preference for foreign workers as comp.red to loc.ls here?

Similarly, the first example could be written as:

She earns RM100,000 a year, as compared to my RM36,000 for the same job. “To change”, “cause to change one’s attitude so as to become hostile or to retaliate” or “stop supporting, trusting or liking someone or something”.

• My best friend turned against me after listening to the rumours.

• All of a sudden, the supporters turned against him.

• Nothing would make me turn against my country. “F.ced” or “confronted with”. Do not get confused with the expression — “up against the wall”.

“Up against the wall” is an idiom that means “in serious difficulties”. You need to picture someone facing execution by a firing squad.

• Sometimes, our true characters show when we are up against the wall.

Now, we shall study a few idiomatic expressions using the word “against”. “Not allowed by the law” or “illegal”.

Note: “Illegal” and “unlawful” have slightly different meanings, although they are often used interchangeably. Something that is illegal is against the law, whereas an unlawful act merely contravenes the rules that apply in a particular context.

• Drunk driving is against the law in Malaysia.

• It is against the law to permit a place to be used as a common betting house or betting information centre.

• Importing unlicensed firearms and ammunition into Ma laysia is against the law and can carry the death penalty.

• Drinking alcohol is legal in Malaysia, driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal. Therefore, driving under the influence of alcohol is against the law. Being caught driving while intoxicated us punishable by immediate ar rest and may result in extensive jail time. Typically used to describe an action or activity that one has been forced to do. If you do something against your will, you do it, although you do not want to do it. In other words, you do it reluctantly.

• My mother was forced to sign the document against her will.

• I married him against my will.

• He knew that he could be made to testify against his will. If someone does something against your wishes, they do it although you do not want them to do it. It may mean “disobedience”.

• My daughter married her boyfriend against my wishes.

• Maria took her son away against her husband’s wishes.

• Swee Lan registered for the run against the advice of her doctor.

Key difference between “against your will” and “against someone’s wishes/advice”:

Let’s take someone named “Maria” and study the examples below.

• Maria got married to Abu against her will. (Maria was forced to wed Abu.)

• Maria got married to Abu against her mother’s wishes. (Maria was not forced, she merely did not listen to her mother’s advice. She willingly married Abu.)