Opposite and in front of

The word opposite can be an adjective, an adverb or a noun.

As an adverb it means ‘across from’ or ‘facing something/someone’.

• The bus stop is opposite the cinema.
• He sat opposite her. (In this case, she can see him and he can see her.)

When you play against somebody you act with them as one of the two main characters in a film.

• She has played against some of the biggest stars in Hollywood.

The noun ‘opposite’ is used to refer to someone or something that is completely different from someone/something else.

• He and his wife are opposites in character.
• Opposites attract.

Do the opposite

• Whatever I suggest, she does the opposite.

The opposite of

• He seemed agitated – the opposite of his regular self.

In front of

If somebody or something is in front of you, you will be able to see them/it when you look forwards.

• There were two boys in front of me. (Here the boys can’t necessarily see you, but you can see them.)
• That boy sits in front of the television all day long.

If you wouldn’t do something in front of somebody, you wouldn’t do it if they were with you.

• Will you say this in front of your father?
• They played in front of a crowd of 50,000 people.

The phrase ‘in front of’ can also be used to refer to something that is going to happen to you in the future.

• She is an excellent dancer. If she also polishes her acting skills, she will have a brilliant career in front of her.