Have sth against sb Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Have sth against sb” Mean?

“Have sth against sb” means to dislike or hold a grudge against someone because of something they did or said.

Introduction

The phrase “have sth against sb” is a common English expression used to describe a feeling of dislike or resentment toward a person. It often implies that someone is upset or angry because of a past action or event. Understanding the “have sth against sb” meaning can help learners use it correctly in conversations and writing. This phrase is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, making it important for English learners to recognize and apply it naturally. It is also useful for expressing personal feelings or explaining conflicts in relationships.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Have something against somebody
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
• Short meaning: To dislike or hold a grudge against someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

The phrase “have sth against sb” is inseparable, which means you cannot separate “have” from “against.” The object “something” must come after “have,” and “against somebody” follows.

Pattern: Have + something + against + somebody

Example: I have a problem against him. (Incorrect)
I have something against him. (Correct)

How to Use “Have sth against sb”?

You use “have sth against sb” when you want to say that you dislike someone or are upset with them because of something they did. It can refer to a small issue or a serious grudge. The “something” can be a specific reason or a general feeling.

For example, if a friend forgot your birthday, you might say, “I have something against her for forgetting my birthday.”

Examples

Imagine you are upset with a colleague because they didn’t help you with a project. You might say:

• I don’t have anything against him, but I wish he was more helpful.
• She has something against me because of the mistake I made last week.
• Do you have anything against Sarah? She seems upset with you.
• He has had something against his neighbor since the argument.
• I don’t want to have anything against anyone. I prefer to forgive.

These examples show how “have sth against sb in a sentence” can express feelings of dislike or resentment.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse the structure or use the phrase incorrectly. Here are some common mistakes and corrections:

• Incorrect: I have against him something.
  Correct: I have something against him.
• Incorrect: She has something for him against.
  Correct: She has something against him.
• Incorrect: Do you have something with him?
  Correct: Do you have something against him?

Remember, “have sth against sb” is inseparable and must follow the correct word order.

Differences / Synonyms

It’s easy to confuse “have sth against sb” with other expressions like “hold a grudge” or “bear ill will.” While all express negative feelings, “have sth against sb” is more general and less formal.

• Hold a grudge: Stronger and longer-lasting resentment.
• Bear ill will: Formal and strong dislike.
• Have sth against sb: Can refer to small or big issues, everyday use.

For example, “He holds a grudge against her” sounds more serious than “He has something against her.”

Common Collocations

Here are some common words used with “have sth against sb”:

• Anything: Used when the reason is unknown or general. (e.g., Do you have anything against me?)
• Something: Used for a specific reason. (e.g., She has something against her boss.)
• Nothing: Used to deny any dislike. (e.g., I have nothing against you.)
• Personal: Refers to feelings toward a person. (e.g., He has something personal against you.)

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of have sth against sb:

• Have Got Sth On Sth
• Have Sth On
• Have Sth On Sb
• Have Sb Back
• Have Sb Up

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “have sth against sb”:

Anna: Why does Tom seem upset with you?

Ben: I’m not sure. I don’t think he has anything against me.

Anna: Maybe he misunderstood something.

Ben: I hope so. I don’t want to have anything against him either.

Practice

Choose the correct sentence:

• A) I have something for him against.
• B) I have something against him.
• C) I have against him something.

Answer: B) I have something against him.

Fill in the blank:

She doesn’t like me. I think she has __________ against me.

Answer: something

FAQs

• Q: Can “have sth against sb” be used in formal writing?
  A: Yes, but it is more common in spoken and informal English.
• Q: What does “sth” mean in “have sth against sb”?
  A: “Sth” is a short form for “something.”
• Q: Is “have sth against sb” always negative?
  A: Yes, it expresses dislike or resentment.
• Q: Can I say “have nothing against sb”?
  A: Yes, it means you do not dislike that person.
• Q: How do I pronounce “have sth against sb”?
  A: Pronounce it as “have something against somebody.”