As opposed to means rather than or in contrast to: it stresses the difference between two options. The fee covers the inspection, as opposed to the repairs: you pay for the check, not the fix. I prefer meeting clients in person as opposed to calling them. It works in both speech and writing.
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A as opposed to B; noun / -ing form as opposed to noun / -ing form
- The fee covers the inspection, as opposed to the repairs.
- I prefer meeting clients in person as opposed to calling them.
- This report measures actual spending as opposed to planned spending.
What changed
First versionWe need a permanent solution as supposed to a temporary fix.
RevisionWe need a permanent solution as opposed to a temporary fix.
Spoken aloud, as opposed to and as supposed to sound almost the same, so the second gets written by mistake. But supposed comes from be supposed to, 'should'. For a contrast, you need opposed: a permanent solution as opposed to a temporary fix.
Rather than also means 'and not', but it's softer and usually about a choice: I'll walk rather than wait. As opposed to draws a sharper line between ideas: actual as opposed to planned. Be opposed to means 'be against': She is opposed to the plan.
Your turn
The course focuses on discussing ideas as opposed to ___ definitions.
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memorising — To in as opposed to is a preposition, so -ing follows: memorising, just like discussing in the first part.
Explain what exactly you pay for at a gym, a course or a subscription, and what you don't. Use as opposed to.
My membership covers the gym, as opposed to the swimming pool.
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