a marked contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marked contrast" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a clear and noticeable difference between two things. Example: The soft, delicate colors of the sunset were a marked contrast to the harsh, bright lights of the city skyline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sweden provided a marked contrast.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A marked contrast with calendar 2014.

The Guardian - Business

A marked contrast with what went before at the Yard.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was a marked contrast to his opponents tonight.

The New York Times - Sports

The bronze sculptures are a marked contrast to the paintings.

The New York Times

"There are issues where there is a marked contrast between Joe and myself.

The New York Times

It makes a marked contrast with the way his predecessor thought.

The New Yorker

On this issue, there has been a marked contrast between words and actions.

The New York Times

His classiness is a marked contrast to the behavior of you-know-who across the river.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a marked contrast between the densely populated plains and the sparsely populated uplands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is a marked contrast from the 5.6 percent decline in 2008.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a marked contrast" to highlight a significant and easily observable difference between two subjects or situations. This adds emphasis and clarity to your comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "a marked contrast" when a simple difference is sufficient. Save it for situations where the contrast is truly significant and noteworthy, or your writing could seem exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marked contrast" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a comparison, highlighting a notable difference between two or more entities, situations, or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a marked contrast" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to highlight significant differences. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure that the contrast is indeed substantial and that you clearly specify what is being contrasted to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "a significant difference" or "a striking disparity" can be considered for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant difference

This alternative emphasizes the importance or impact of the difference.

a striking disparity

This phrase suggests a clear and often surprising difference.

a noticeable divergence

This alternative highlights a deviation or separation between two things.

a sharp distinction

This alternative emphasizes the clarity and precision of the difference.

a clear differentiation

This phrase stresses the act of distinguishing or separating two things.

a considerable variation

This implies a degree of change between different instances of something

an evident contradiction

This emphasizes direct opposition between two statements

a palpable inconsistency

Highlights lack of agreement

a world of difference

This idiom suggests an extreme contrast, implying substantial differences

poles apart

This idiom describes entities that are completely dissimilar, suggesting an antithesis.

FAQs

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

Use "a marked contrast" to emphasize a notable difference between two things. For instance, "There is "a marked contrast between" the two approaches to the problem".

What is a synonym for "a marked contrast"?

Alternatives to "a marked contrast" include "a significant difference", "a striking disparity", or "a noticeable divergence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what "a marked contrast" is between?

Yes, for clarity, it's best to specify what the contrast is between. For example, instead of saying "There was a marked contrast", specify "There was "a marked contrast between the two" proposals".

How does "a marked contrast" differ from "a slight contrast"?

"A marked contrast" indicates a noticeable and significant difference, while "a slight contrast" suggests a subtle or minor difference. Use "a marked contrast" when the difference is substantial and easily observable.