by R. S. Karunaratne

Use of 'against' in different contexts

'Against' is used after certain verbs and nouns denoting reactions to situations, people, events or beliefs.

Following verbs are frequently followed by 'against.'

All criminals act against the law.

The doctor advised him against smoking.

The minister argued against making cuts in military spending.

There will always be people against you.

Residents have campaigned against the proposed new building.

The committee decided against the cheapest option.

Thousands of people gathered to demonstrate against the new proposals.

Maya felt she had been discriminated against because of her age.

The army fought against the enemies.

Your wishes go against my plans.

Regular exercise helps guard against heart disease.

You seem to be having something against me.

Dharman reacted against everything he had been asked to do.

In 1971 some youth rebelled against the Government.

Some people do not have the courage to speak against injustice.

For years Jane struggled against the management to get her due promotion.

Sam testified against the main witness.

I have decided to vote against corrupt politicians.

Following nouns are frequently followed by against.

Your accusations against me are unfounded.

Why don't you take some action against the trespassers.

They showed some signs of aggression against Asians.

There are some allegations of professional misconduct against him.

Hema lodged an appeal against the High Court judgement.

Luxman came out with many arguments against the proposal.

Rationalists have launched a battle against superstition.

The Government has launched a campaign against malaria.

There is a case against you in the Magistrate's Court.

The police have filed several charges against the suspect.

The woman lodged a complaint against the thief.

Dharmapala launched a crusade against corruption.

The rebels' only form of defence against the army was home-made firearms.

The employees' demonstration against the company rules has failed.

In certain countries there is discrimination against foreigners.

The police failed to produce evidence against the accused.

Parakramabahu succeeded in his fight against South Indian invaders.

Raju still harbours a grievance against his employers for not promoting him.

Peiris holds a grudge against me for not giving him a loan of Rs. 5,000.

There are laws against drinking in public places.

Some voters have a prejudice against the new candidate.

Our tent gave little protection against the severe storm.

There was a violent protest against the war.

Immediately after the new tax laws, there was a reaction against the Government.

Sinhalese heroes launched many rebellions against foreign invaders.

A good diet is a safeguard against disease.

Starters :

Use of personal pronouns as subjects

Pronouns are words used in place of nouns. This is done to avoid the repetition of a noun.

Henry bought some books. He gave them to his sister.

Maya does not go to school on Sunday. She stays at home.

You and I have the same hobbies. We are friends.

I am a friend of the minister. Is he in office?

The police officer was very polite. He is also friendly.

Singular pronouns replace singular nouns. Plural pronouns replace plural nouns.

Chintha attended a birthday party. She wore a red skirt.

The girls went to school. They carried bags full of books.

Most dogs are obedient animals. They usually obey their masters.

Samson has coached the cricketers. Now they play very well.

A personal pronoun can be the subject of a sentence. Following pronouns are used as subjects in sentences.

First person (The speaker or speakers)

Singular: I

Plural: We

Second person (The person or persons spoken to)

Singular: You

Plural: You

Third person (The person or persons, thing or things spoken about)

Singular: He, She, It

Plural: They

Activity

Delete personal pronouns which are inapplicable. Check your answers with the key.

1. Mr. and Mrs. Perera went to office. He/They went by train.

2. You and Sanath have passed the exam. They/You have obtained 75 marks.

3. This lady is beautiful. She has long hair.

4. Can you see the moon. He/It is high in the sky.

5. Colombo City is big. They/It has tall buildings.

6. Roses are red. It/They also smell sweet.

7. Mother went to the market. He/She bought some vegetables.

8. Celine is my favourite singer. He/She is beautiful.

9. Eva has a rose plant. It/She waters it daily.

10. Snakes are reptiles. It/They are cold-blooded.

******

[Key]

1. He, 2. You, 3. He, 4. He, 5. They, 6. It, 7. He, 8. He, 9. It, 10. It.

******