versus

The word "versus" is a preposition that is similar to the word "against." It’s often used for sporting events and conflicts:

• I’m going to watch a baseball game on TV tonight. It’s the Twins versus the Yankees.
• In a soccer match of Brazil versus Germany, which team do you think would come out on top?
• Americans are used to hearing about the right versus the left in politics, or it’s the Republicans versus the Democrats.
• In World War II, the old military rivalry of Germany versus France resurfaced.

It’s the Dallas North Stars versus the Chicago Blackhawks.

The word "versus" is often abbreviated to "vs." or just "v."

• In the last World Series, it was the Chicago Cubs vs. the Cleveland Indians.
• The Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade provided legal access to women who wanted to get an abortion inside the United States.

Sometimes "versus" is used when making a comparison.

• A ratchet is a easier tool to use when working on a car versus a wrench. The ratchet can be used in tighter spaces.
• A gas grill that uses propane gas costs less to operate versus a charcoal grill which requires the purchase of charcoal briquettes.

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This page was published on July 26, 2017.