a sharp contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sharp contrast" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two things are very different or in opposition to one another. Example: The newly renovated cafe had a sharp contrast to the dingy diner it was replacing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MELBOURNE — It was a sharp contrast.

The New York Times - Sports

They soon presented a sharp contrast.

The New York Times - Sports

The northern coastal region presents a sharp contrast.

Britannica

Many drew a sharp contrast with the United Kingdom.

The Washington Post

The discussions in adjacent rooms offered a sharp contrast.

Nature

The reaction from power generating companies struck a sharp contrast.

The New York Times

It's a sharp contrast to the previous government, he said.

The Guardian

That's a sharp contrast with the strategy of obstruction.

The New York Times

The teams' styles on the field offer a sharp contrast.

The New York Times

That's a sharp contrast with the sophistication of Maya writing and mathematics and astronomy.

Cornell University

For a day, at least, the images of the two presidential candidates offered a sharp contrast.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp contrast" to emphasize significant and easily noticeable differences between two or more subjects. Ensure that the context clearly defines what is being contrasted.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp contrast" when the difference is minimal or insignificant. Opt for phrases like "a slight difference" or "a minor variation" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp contrast" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It highlights a noticeable and significant difference between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sharp contrast" is a versatile and commonly used expression to highlight significant differences between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's essential to ensure the contrast is genuinely significant and that the context clearly defines what is being compared. While alternatives like "a stark contrast" or "a marked difference" exist, "a sharp contrast" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts, from academic papers to news reports. The most common sources using the phrase are news outlets, but scientific publications also employ it. Avoid using it when the difference is minimal; opt for more subtle descriptors instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stark contrast

Replaces "sharp" with "stark", emphasizing the severity and obviousness of the difference.

a marked difference

Focuses on the noticeable and significant nature of the difference.

a striking disparity

Highlights the inequality or imbalance between the compared items.

a clear divergence

Emphasizes the act of moving in different directions or deviating from a common point.

a distinct variation

Points out the recognizable and specific differences between elements.

a noticeable contradiction

Highlights the contradictory nature of the items being compared.

a blatant inconsistency

Stresses the obvious and unacceptable lack of uniformity or compatibility.

a fundamental opposition

Indicates a basic and essential conflict between the compared elements.

a radical deviation

Emphasizes the extreme departure from the norm or expected path.

a polar opposition

Highlights the presence of two completely opposite or contradictory elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp contrast" to highlight significant differences between two things. For example, "There's "a sharp contrast" between their opinions on the matter".

What are some alternatives to "a sharp contrast"?

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

Is it better to say "sharp contrast" or "strong contrast"?

Both "sharp contrast" and "strong contrast" are acceptable, but "sharp contrast" often implies a more distinct and easily noticeable difference.

What is the difference between "a sharp contrast" and "a subtle difference"?

"A sharp contrast" emphasizes significant differences, while "a subtle difference" highlights minor, less obvious distinctions.