Grammar fix

as opposed to

contrasting / showing preference

Used to clearly contrast one thing with another, often to highlight a difference or show a preference between two options.

expressionC1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

I prefer working in a team as opposed to working alone.daily life
Personally, I think face-to-face communication is more effective as opposed to chatting online, because you can read body language and emotions much more easily.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: [noun/gerund] as opposed to [noun/gerund]

WrongI chose tea, as opposed of coffee.

RightI chose tea, as opposed to coffee.

'As opposed TO', never 'as opposed of'.

Pattern[noun/gerund] as opposed to [noun/gerund]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff In contradistinction to the alternative option, I would select the train.

Natural I'd take the train, as opposed to flying.

'In contradistinction to' is rare and formal; 'as opposed to' is the normal contrast marker.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

X as opposed to Y
torather thaninstead of

Don't confuse it

'As opposed to' is more direct than 'rather than', and is not used before verbs in base form. For example, say 'coffee as opposed to tea', not 'as opposed to drink tea'.

Try it in Daily Speak →