a distinct contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct contrast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when highlighting a clear difference between two or more things. Example: "The artist's latest work presents a distinct contrast to her previous style, showcasing a bolder use of color."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It was a distinct contrast from my cousins' colourful rooms in the more affluent northern Tehran.

The Guardian

Some of the old tenants remain, and their battered doors form a distinct contrast with the newer, fancier doors of the renovated rooms.

The New York Times

Its grand halls and extraordinary views from buildings perched on a rise, not to mention its amenities, provided a distinct contrast with its surroundings.

The New York Times

Consistency and a lack of injuries allowed them to choose the same XI for each match, a distinct contrast to the chopping and changing that has characterised recent years.

The Guardian - Sport

The gathering of elite investors is a distinct contrast to the democratic rhetoric Google used to explain its auction process, which treats bids from big institutions and small investors alike.

The New York Times

104) Elton John It features the same producer, T Bone Burnett, but from the title down, Wonderful Crazy Night – the first Elton John album in 10 years to reunite him with long-term sidemen Nigel Olsson and Davey Johnstone – is clearly envisioned as a distinct contrast to 2012's emotionally downcast, but critically acclaimed The Diving Board: a reminder of John's pop smarts.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

However it had a distinct, contrasting impact on mental and physical outcomes.

BMC Nephrology

In contrast, in a distinct line of research on collaborative recall, psychologists have found that in many circumstances groups working together remember less than a nominal group, measured as the pooled sum of non-redundant items remembered by the same number of individuals (Weldon and Bellinger 1997; Basden, Basden, and Henry 2000; Harris, Paterson, and Kemp 2008).

SEP

I read Craig Lucas's libretto some time ago, but it wasn't clear to me then that Muhly was drawing a very distinct contrast between the sacred and the profane — one of the families affected by the show's tragedy are churchgoers — until I saw Bartlett Sher's staging.

The New Yorker

In distinct contrast, a high level of extracellular VLP was produced from cells transfected with the Rev-dependent HIV-1 Gag, reflecting efficient assembly and budding by protein produced from this construct (Figure 2C, lines 1 and 2).

Plosone

In distinct contrast, a remarkable reduction in the expression of CD34 was observed in tumor sections in PNS-treated complex mice compared to that from the vehicle-treated complex mice, suggesting that PNS exert a significant antiangiogenic effect in growing tumor.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinct contrast" to clearly highlight the differences between two subjects, ensuring your audience understands the separation. It's effective in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinct contrast" in very casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "a clear difference" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct contrast" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object. It describes a clear and noticeable difference between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

6.67%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6.67%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a distinct contrast" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for highlighting clear differences, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While not overly common, its precision makes it valuable for analytical descriptions. Remember to avoid overuse in very informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be preferable. Notable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, underscoring its credibility and utility in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marked difference

Emphasizes the notability of the difference.

a clear distinction

Highlights the clarity of the differentiation.

a notable divergence

Focuses on the point at which things begin to separate.

a striking disparity

Points out an inequality or difference that is very noticeable.

a sharp contrast

Indicates an abrupt and significant difference.

a palpable difference

Suggests that the difference is easily perceived or felt.

an evident dissimilarity

Stresses the obvious nature of the lack of likeness.

a considerable variation

Highlights a significant degree of change or difference.

a manifest opposition

Underlines an obvious and demonstrable resistance or difference.

a pronounced deviation

Emphasizes a noticeable departure from a standard or norm.

FAQs

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

Use "a distinct contrast" to emphasize a clear difference between two things. For instance, "There's "a distinct contrast" between the two approaches."

What phrases can I use instead of "a distinct contrast"?

Alternatives include "a marked difference", "a clear distinction", or "a notable divergence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While both are acceptable, "distinct contrast" emphasizes a more pronounced and easily identifiable difference, whereas "clear contrast" simply highlights that the difference is easily understood.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a distinct contrast"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight a notable and easily observable difference, especially in formal or analytical writing where precision is important.