Be opposed to/oppose the proposal

Question

Hi,Could you please explain the subtle difference in meaning between the following two sentences?1. The representitives strongly oppose the proposal2. The representiives are strongly opposed to the proposalThanks very much!Xin Yan

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

yanxCould you please explain the subtle difference in meaning between the following two sentences?

1. The representitives strongly oppose the proposal

2. The representiives are strongly opposed to the proposal

In practical terms I don't see any real difference in meaning. These are just two different ways of saying the same thing. Since the verb oppose is used in the first, there may be a little more emphasis on what the representatives may be going to do to show their opposition. In the second sentence, there may be a little more emphasis on their feelings or their state of mind about the proposal.

CJ

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Could you please explain the subtle difference in meaning between the following two sentences?

1. The representitives strongly oppose the proposal The active voice here makes the opposition sound more active, ie it sounds like they are actually doing something to show their opposition.

2. The representiives are strongly opposed to the proposal The passive voice makes their opposition sound more passive. Maybe they oppose it but are not actually doing anything.

However, the use of the word 'strongly' weakens this interpretation a bit.

representatives

Don't forget to end with a period.

Clive

Yanx · Answer

Thanks Clive!

Be opposed to/oppose the proposal

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