a key contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key contrast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when highlighting an important difference between two or more subjects or ideas. Example: "In the analysis of the two novels, a key contrast is found in the protagonists' approaches to conflict resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There is, however, one more wild card, which is also a key contrast with the Reagan years: the attitude of foreign investors.

The New York Times

Two of the city's most rapidly growing neighborhoods offer a key contrast: the area around Nationals Park and NoMa (the neighborhood north of Massachusetts Avenue).

The Washington Post

A key contrast between reviews and research papers is that reviews tend to be commissioned (i.e., invited) by the editor rather than submitted like research papers.

Science Magazine

The fact that conception takes physical objects as (direct) intentional objects marks a key contrast with the Way of Ideas since, on the Way of Ideas, conception, perception, judgment and belief are "only different ways of perceiving ideas in our own minds" (EIP 4.1, 298).

SEP

The ability to act independently of the federal government is a key contrast from the single-payer proposal, Senate Bill 562, which has consumed much of Sacramento's healthcare debate in the last year.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yet even while the sonata with continuo flourished, the forces of tonality, or organization in terms of keys, developed intensely toward a use of key contrast that would eventually drive the trio sonata from the scene.

Britannica

In some 70 harpsichord sonatas, and in other works for chamber ensembles and for orchestra, he placed a new stress on key contrast not only between but, more important, within movements.

Britannica

(The latter, though it shared with sonata form such elements as the central principle of key contrast, was a medium that evolved, through the Baroque concerto grosso, from the fundamentally different source of the solo vocal aria and the vocal-instrumental concerto).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the absolute pitch change that infants produce is reduced relative to older children, it is possible that infants produce a wider pitch change in final than in nonfinal syllables and thereby mark a key grammatical contrast based on position-in-utterance.

Journal of Phonetics

The result is based on contrasting themes, rather than on the Classical sonata principle of key contrast, because 12-tone music, being atonal, deliberately avoids the creation of a sense of key.

Britannica

Church acknowledged there are important differences between the two animals and said current efforts are aimed at one key contrast: cold tolerance.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key contrast" to introduce a pivotal difference that significantly impacts your argument or analysis. This helps focus the reader's attention on the most important distinction.

Common error

Avoid using "a key contrast" as a placeholder. Always ensure the contrast you highlight is genuinely significant and supported by clear evidence or examples. If the contrast is minor, consider using a less emphatic phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key contrast" functions as a noun phrase used to introduce a significant difference between two or more entities. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and effectively highlights important distinctions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key contrast" is used to introduce a significant difference between two or more entities, making it a valuable tool for highlighting distinctions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and effective in drawing attention to important contrasts. While its occurrence is relatively rare, its presence in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedias indicates its versatility across various registers. For alternative expressions, consider "a significant difference" or "a major distinction" to achieve similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant difference

Highlights the importance of the difference.

a major distinction

Emphasizes the clarity and importance of the distinction.

a notable divergence

Focuses on the act of moving in different directions.

a marked difference

Highlights a difference that is easily observed or recognized.

a crucial distinction

Stresses the importance of the distinction.

a key dissimilarity

Highlights the lack of similarity.

a primary difference

Indicates the main difference among others.

a central contrast

Emphasizes that the contrast is at the heart of the matter.

an important variance

Highlights the degree of difference.

a fundamental opposition

Stresses the complete disagreement or incompatibility.

FAQs

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

Use "a key contrast" to introduce a significant difference between two or more things. For instance: "A key contrast between the two approaches lies in their emphasis on practical application."

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant difference", "a major distinction", or "a notable divergence" depending on the context.

How do I emphasize the importance of "a key contrast"?

To emphasize the importance, follow the phrase with a clear explanation of why the contrast matters. For example: "A key contrast exists, and understanding this difference is crucial for effective decision-making."

When is it appropriate to use "a key contrast"?

It's appropriate when highlighting a difference that has a substantial impact or influence on the topic being discussed. Reserve it for contrasts that are central to your analysis or argument.