a handsome contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handsome contrast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a striking or visually appealing difference between two elements, such as colors, styles, or ideas. Example: "The artist created a beautiful painting that featured a handsome contrast between the vibrant reds and deep blues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Carlo Allemano's sizable, darkish tenor voice served for Orismondo's many moments of anguish, while Adrian Strooper's brighter, more focused tenor supplied a handsome contrast in Armidoro's music.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The music becomes a study in delicate concentration, akin to a Debussy ?de. "Sonatine," a solo for Maddie Deavenport, is marked by handsome contrasts: dancing and walking, lower and upper body, looking one way while proceeding the other.

The New York Times

With his no-nonsense reputation and authoritative edge, Mr Valls, by contrast, gets a handsome 79% rating from Socialist voters and 58% from those who back the centre-right UMP.

The Economist

The "Ballo" and the "Tempest," by contrast, have struck a handsome profile, whatever their limitations.

The New Yorker

The number-one-ranked Washington Redskins, by contrast, are worth a handsome $952 million, 66% more than New York in a market with 76% fewer people.

Forbes

The No. 1-ranked Washington Redskins, by contrast, are worth a handsome $952 million, 66% more than New York in a market with 76% fewer people.

Forbes

That's gerrymandering.This week, in contrast, Bagehot headed to Ludlow, a handsome market town in Shropshire, to watch a public hearing being held by the Boundary Commission for England.

The Economist

The great egg race Why Britain has centrist politics ReprintsThis week, in contrast, Bagehot headed to Ludlow, a handsome market town in Shropshire, to watch a public hearing being held by the Boundary Commission for England.

The Economist

While she fretted, a handsome black dog named Zulu just lolled about, and its relaxation was amusingly contrasted with human tension.

The New York Times

In contrast, audiences just didn't take to the last Superman film: Brandon Routh was bit of an empty vessel, a handsome young man in the Christopher Reeve mould".

The Guardian - Film

A handsome pale girl.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a handsome contrast", consider the specific qualities you want to emphasize. Use it when the contrast is not only noticeable but also adds aesthetic value or enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a handsome contrast" to describe negative or undesirable differences. The phrase implies an attractive or beneficial distinction, not a problematic one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handsome contrast" functions as a noun phrase, where "handsome" modifies the noun "contrast". According to Ludwig AI, this construction serves to describe a difference that is not only apparent but also aesthetically pleasing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a handsome contrast" is a phrase used to describe a difference that is both noticeable and aesthetically pleasing. As Ludwig AI states, its grammatical structure is correct, with usage primarily found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is not very common, when employed it effectively highlights a striking and appealing distinction. For alternative expressions, consider "a striking juxtaposition" or "an elegant distinction" to convey similar meanings. Avoid using "a handsome contrast" in negative contexts, as it implies a positive attribute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a striking juxtaposition

Emphasizes the act of placing things side by side for contrasting effect, focusing on the visual impact.

an elegant distinction

Highlights the refined and graceful nature of the difference.

a beautiful divergence

Focuses on the aesthetic appeal of the contrasting elements moving apart.

a pleasing opposition

Highlights the agreeable nature of two conflicting elements

a notable dissimilarity

Highlights the important aspects of the differing elements

a marked difference

Emphasizes the clear and easily noticeable nature of the contrast.

a distinct variation

Highlights the unique and individual nature of the contrasting element.

a stark contrast

Emphasizes a sharp, often dramatic, difference between two things.

an attractive imbalance

Highlights the aesthetic appeal that can arise from uneven distributions

a compelling counterpoint

Suggests a harmonious relationship between contrasting elements, often used in artistic contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a handsome contrast" to describe a visually appealing or striking difference between two things. For example, "The play featured "a handsome contrast" between the protagonist's ambition and his moral compromises."

What can I say instead of "a handsome contrast"?

You can use alternatives like "a striking juxtaposition", "an elegant distinction", or "a marked difference" depending on the context.

What kind of contrast is described by "a handsome contrast"?

"A handsome contrast" describes a contrast that is not only noticeable but also pleasing or attractive. It suggests that the difference between two things is aesthetically appealing.

Is "a handsome contrast" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a handsome contrast" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing artistic or aesthetic elements. However, ensure that the context aligns with the positive connotation of the phrase.