English UsageMisused preposition

How to use “angry with” (not “angry against”)

❌ Don’t say this: The teacher was angry against him (feeling upset or annoyed at someone).

✅ Say this: The teacher was angry with him.


Why “against” is wrong and “with” is correct

The word angry means “feeling upset or annoyed at someone.” In English, you are angry with a person — never angry against. Think of with as showing who the feeling is directed toward in a personal way (annoyed withfed up withpleased with). The preposition against is wrong here because against means opposing or in conflict (fight againstturn againstgo against), which sounds too strong and unnatural for everyday anger.


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