in the opposite direction vs in the opposite directions

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the opposite direction' is used when referring to a single direction that is opposite to the current one. On the other hand, 'in the opposite directions' is used when referring to multiple directions that are opposite to the current one.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 976 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"in the opposite direction"

This phrase is used when referring to a single direction that is opposite to the current one.

Examples:

He turned and ran in the opposite direction.
The arrow pointed in the opposite direction.

Show examples from the web [+]

Repeat the above tests drifting in the opposite direction.
She's accelerating in the opposite direction from Sidonia's course.
Meanwhile, developing countries are moving in the opposite direction.
You take these men and go in the opposite direction.
Think about time going in the opposite direction.
As it falls back, the cycle continues in the opposite direction.
Trent and run like lightning in the opposite direction.
The Larsen girl ran in the opposite direction.
Southfork is a half-hour in the opposite direction.
That's 100 miles in the opposite direction.
If anything, you should ride in the opposite direction.
Your DNA spins in the opposite direction of Aneela's, like a flipped image.
Lean in the opposite direction to counteract the variable.
Nice try, harper, But parts storage is in the opposite direction.
Is in the opposite direction of Lone Pine Road.
Delilah informed me that the convenience store is in the opposite direction.
A hundred miles in the opposite direction of everyone else.
You hurried in the opposite direction, I noticed.
Sheffield Hallam University is 15 minutes in the opposite direction, in the city centre.
And so that's sort of working in the opposite direction.

Alternatives:

in the reverse direction
in the contrary direction
in the opposing direction
in the antithetical direction
in the converse direction

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"in the opposite directions"

This phrase is used when referring to multiple directions that are opposite to the current one.

Examples:

The two signs point in the opposite directions.
The arrows on the map indicate the opposite directions.

Show examples from the web [+]

in the opposite directions
Hike back from the top and find trail 206 which in the opposite directions declines along the eastern slope.
Limits for the length of a straight intermediate element between two long circular curves in the opposite directions [m] [9]Alignment chain [9]
If the accumulated equity value is less than zero, the amounts that have to be transferred or received under paragraph 3 and paragraph 5 shall be settled in the opposite directions to those specified in paragraph 3 and paragraph 5.
If the accumulated equity value is less than zero, the amounts that have to be transferred or received under paragraph 3 and paragraph 5 shall be settled in the opposite directions to those specified in paragraph 3 and paragraph 5.
Repeat the above tests drifting in the opposite direction.
Meanwhile, developing countries are moving in the opposite direction.
She's accelerating in the opposite direction from Sidonia's course.
Everything I did, I ran in the opposite direction.
Trent and run like lightning in the opposite direction.
Think about time going in the opposite direction.
The Larsen girl ran in the opposite direction.
Southfork is a half-hour in the opposite direction.
That's 100 miles in the opposite direction.
If anything, you should ride in the opposite direction.
Maybe she should think about going in the opposite direction.
Your DNA spins in the opposite direction of Aneela's, like a flipped image.
Lean in the opposite direction to counteract the variable.
Nice try, harper, But parts storage is in the opposite direction.
Is in the opposite direction of Lone Pine Road.
Delilah informed me that the convenience store is in the opposite direction.

Alternatives:

in different directions
in opposing directions
in contrary directions
in antithetical directions
in converse directions

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