Apposed to or Opposed to? Which Is Correct?

Vocabulary / By

 “Opposed to” is correct. There is no phrase “Apposed to” in English and is incorrect. Therefore, when you wish to iterate how you (or someone else) are against something, “opposed to” is the only option.

So, this will be simple to remember. There will always be an “o,” not an “a” in the word. However, the easiest way to check your spelling is to put it into an online search if you’re confused. You will learn quickly that “apposed to” is wrong.

Understanding “Opposed to”

In this form, “opposed to,” is a verb phrase, which includes a preposition in the simple past tense. It means that you (or someone else) doesn’t like or agree with a concept, person, policy and etc. However, when you add the conjugation of the verbs “to be” or “to have,” it becomes a verb taking on the form of passive voice or a past participle, respectively.

  • Simple Past Tense: Opposed to his father’s wishes, Tristan went to the movies anyway.
  • Passive Voice (to be): I am opposed to this imposition of a cashless society because I didn’t vote for it.
  • Past Participle (to have): Sherry has been opposed to the mode of politics in this country for many years.

Why People Mistake “Apposed to”

“Apposed to” indicates a mistake of speech rather than writing. Certain English dialects may sound like someone is saying “apposed to” but they intend to convey “opposed to.” In some situations, it may even sound like “ah-posed.”

For instance, in the United States, you’ll hear someone say “apposed to” when they’re from the Midwest or deep south. Therefore, the length or shortness in the annunciated “o” is going to purely rely on where the person is from.

Mnemonic Device

The best way to remember how English words operate is to dissect them according to their root words and the accompanying prefixes or suffixes around it. In the case of “opposed to:”

  • Op: prefix meaning to conceal, block or work against
  • Pose: root word, meaning position, perspective or aspect

Conclusion

Always remember, if you ever have confusion about whether to use “apposed to” or “opposed to,” it will always be “opposed to.” It is incorrect to say or write “apposed to,” since there is no such word or phrase in English.

Conor
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