as opposed to — contrasting / showing preference
expressionC1IELTS 7+formalcommon
Used to clearly contrast one thing with another, often to highlight a difference or show a preference between two options.
Say it like a native
Textbook In contradistinction to the alternative option, I would select the train.
Native I'd take the train, as opposed to flying.
'In contradistinction to' is rare and formal; 'as opposed to' is the normal contrast marker.
Pattern: [noun/gerund] as opposed to [noun/gerund]
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ I chose tea, as opposed of coffee.
✓ I chose tea, as opposed to coffee.
'As opposed TO', never 'as opposed of'.
Common collocations
X as opposed to Y— to, rather than, instead 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'.