a clear contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear contrast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing differences between two or more subjects, highlighting how they are distinct from one another. Example: "The study revealed a clear contrast between the two groups in terms of their performance levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's a clear contrast in this race".

The New York Times

This provides a clear contrast with his own abilities.

The Guardian

"We need a clear contrast," Mr. Santorum said.

The New York Times

This series will provide a clear contrast to the ones both nations have recently experienced.

The Guardian - Sport

Giacometti's determined, sculptural vision emerges as a clear contrast to Picasso's swift genius.

The New York Times - Books

This budget offers a clear contrast to the president's speech on Wednesday.

The Washington Post

The white wordmark should be used on a field of color or an image to achieve a clear contrast.

Cornell University

"Certainly in this case it's just a clear contrast," Mr. Latham said.

The New York Times

"I think I will stand on the stage and draw a clear contrast with Barack Obama".

The New York Times

"We're going to have a nominee who draws a clear contrast".

The New York Times

Moreover, surface potential microscopy experiments also exhibited a clear contrast between the patterned and non-patterned regions.

Carbon

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clear contrast" to set up expectations for a more detailed discussion about the differences between the items being contrasted.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear contrast" without specifying what is being compared. For example, instead of saying "There's a clear contrast," specify "There's a clear contrast between the old policy and the new one."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear contrast" functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and emphasize a notable difference or dissimilarity between two or more entities, ideas, or situations. As indicated by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear contrast" is a versatile noun phrase used to highlight notable differences across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in both formal and informal communication. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, followed by science and academic contexts, emphasizing its broad applicability. When using "a clear contrast", ensure that the subjects being compared are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a distinct contrast" or "a marked contrast" can offer similar nuances. By avoiding vague comparisons, writers can effectively use "a clear contrast" to emphasize key distinctions and improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct contrast

Replaces "clear" with "distinct", emphasizing the recognizability of the difference.

a marked contrast

Uses "marked" instead of "clear", highlighting the obvious or noticeable nature of the contrast.

a sharp contrast

Substitutes "clear" with "sharp", stressing the abrupt or significant difference.

a striking contrast

Replaces "clear" with "striking", emphasizing the impressive or attention-grabbing nature of the difference.

a noticeable contrast

Uses "noticeable" in place of "clear", focusing on the ease with which the difference can be observed.

an obvious contrast

Replaces "clear" with "obvious", indicating the easily perceived nature of the difference.

a significant difference

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on the difference, suggesting it is important or impactful.

a stark difference

Focuses on the severity and obviousness of the difference.

a patent discrepancy

Highlights the obviousness and potential unacceptability of the difference.

a pronounced divergence

Emphasizes the degree to which two things have moved apart or differ.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear contrast" in a sentence?

Use "a clear contrast" to highlight differences between two or more subjects. For example, "There is "a clear contrast" between the two approaches in terms of cost and efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "a clear contrast"?

You can use alternatives like "a distinct difference", "a marked contrast", or "a sharp contrast" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "a clear contrast" or "a distinct contrast"?

Both ""a clear contrast"" and "a distinct contrast" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "distinct" emphasizes recognizability.

What's the difference between "a clear contrast" and "a simple comparison"?

"A clear contrast" emphasizes the differences, while "a simple comparison" implies a straightforward examination of similarities and differences without necessarily highlighting strong distinctions.