Go against sb Meaning, Examples & How to Use in English

What Does “Go against sb” Mean?

“Go against sb” means to oppose or disagree with someone, or to act in a way that is contrary to their wishes, rules, or opinions.

Introduction

The phrase “go against sb” is a common English phrasal verb used to describe situations where someone opposes or challenges another person. It can mean disagreeing with someone’s opinion, breaking rules set by a person, or taking actions that conflict with their interests. Understanding the “go against sb meaning” helps learners communicate more naturally, especially when describing conflicts or disagreements. Whether in personal relationships, work environments, or legal contexts, this phrase is useful for expressing opposition clearly and politely.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: go against somebody
• Type: Intransitive
• Level: B1 (Intermediate)
• Short meaning: to oppose or disagree with someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Go against sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb, which means you cannot separate “go” and “against” by adding an object in between. The structure is always:

• go against + somebody

Examples:

• She decided to go against her boss and speak up.
• They don’t want to go against the rules.

How to Use “Go against sb”?

You use “go against sb” when you want to express opposition to a person’s opinion, advice, or instructions. It can also mean breaking rules or laws that someone enforces. The phrase often appears in discussions about disagreements, conflicts, or decisions where someone chooses a different path than another person expects.

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use “go against sb in a sentence”:

• John didn’t want to go against his parents, so he followed their advice.
• The lawyer warned her not to go against the court’s decision.
• It’s difficult to go against your friends when they all agree on something.
• She chose to go against her teacher because she believed in a different approach.
• Sometimes you have to go against the crowd to do what’s right.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse the phrase or use it incorrectly. Here’s how to avoid common errors:

• Incorrect: I go against him the decision.
  Correct: I go against him in the decision.
• Incorrect: She goes against the rules it.
  Correct: She goes against the rules.
• Remember, do not separate “go” and “against” by inserting an object.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases to “go against sb” include “oppose,” “disagree with,” and “defy.” However, “go against sb” often implies a personal or direct conflict, while “oppose” can be more formal or general.

• Oppose: More formal, used in politics or formal debates.
• Disagree with: Less strong, used for opinions or ideas.
• Defy: Stronger, means to openly resist or refuse to obey.

For example, “She defied her parents” is stronger than “She went against her parents.”

Common Collocations

“Go against” is often used with the following objects:

• Rules: to break or disobey regulations
• Advice: to not follow someone’s suggestions
• Wishes: to act contrary to someone’s desires
• Opinion: to disagree with someone’s viewpoint
• The law: to act illegally or against legal requirements

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of go against sb:

• Go Into Sth
• Go Around With Sb
• Go In With Sb
• Go In
• Go On Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “go against sb”:

Alice: Are you sure you want to go against the manager’s decision?

Ben: Yes, I think our team needs a different strategy.

Alice: That’s brave. It’s not easy to go against someone in charge.

Ben: Sometimes it’s necessary for improvement.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct use of “go against sb”:

• She didn’t want to _______ her parents’ advice.
• It’s risky to _______ the company’s policies.
• He decided to _______ his friends and follow his own path.

(Answers: go against, go against, go against)

FAQs

• Q: Can “go against sb” be used in formal writing?
  A: Yes, but it is more common in spoken or informal English.
• Q: Is “go against sb” separable?
  A: No, you cannot separate “go” and “against.”
• Q: Does “sb” mean somebody?
  A: Yes, “sb” is an abbreviation for somebody or someone.
• Q: Can “go against” be used with things other than people?
  A: Yes, it can be used with rules, laws, opinions, and more.
• Q: What is the difference between “go against” and “disagree with”?
  A: “Go against” often implies opposition or conflict, while “disagree with” simply means having a different opinion.