a stark contradiction

USAGE SUMMARY

"a stark contradiction" is an appropriate and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when two ideas, facts, or opinions appear to be in opposition to one another. For example, "The mayor's campaign promises of fiscal responsibility stand in stark contradiction to his record of overspending and wasteful budgeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The larger problem is that our political discourse contains a stark contradiction: we continue to regard symbolism as subterfuge, even while acknowledging it as an essential instrument of politics.

The New Yorker

He has examined levels of taxes, public investment in education, transportation and health care, and social transfers like Social Security, and finds a stark contradiction between conventional wisdom and the evidence.

The New York Times

The assessment highlights a stark contradiction – that one of Washington's key allies is quietly propping up its enemies – and is an admission of the limits of US power in a country that still views India, not the Taliban, as its principal threat.

The Guardian

What a stark contradiction that the United States, which championed Kosovo's independence from Serbia, now is ignoring Georgia's invasion of its ethnically rebellious provinces.

Huffington Post

These data represent a stark contradiction to the "anomalously high rainfall" during September and October claimed in Jutla's article.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"The military will be able to prosecute and deport any Palestinian defined as an infiltrator in stark contradiction to the Geneva conventions," they said.

The Guardian

He was a person of stark contradictions, a slave owner who fought on the Union side in the Civil War and organized his own regiment, the 10th Kentucky Infantry.

The New York Times

The hate-fueled ignorance and intolerance that group projects is in stark contradiction to what Mr. Scalise believes and practices as a father, a husband, and a devoted Catholic".

Huffington Post

Other differences like Sano's name being changed to Ormi for the English version, with Mangiron and O'Hagan noting a possible issue with the Spanish meaning of "Sano" as "healthy" in stark contradiction to Ormi's obese appearance.

Wikipedia

Since last year, and perhaps in stark contradiction to most people's expectations, attitudes towards benefit claimants have become strikingly more sympathetic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Poland's subsequent transposition of the ETS into national law in June 2011 contained an Article 50, authorising 'greenhouse gas permits' without CO2 emissions rights to be issued, in stark contradiction to the EU's rules.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stark contradiction" to emphasize a surprising or significant opposition between two ideas, actions, or statements. It's most effective when the contrast is unexpected or has important implications.

Common error

Avoid using "a stark contradiction" for minor or obvious differences. Reserve it for situations where the contrast is genuinely significant and impactful, rather than a simple variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stark contradiction" functions as a noun phrase, with "stark" serving as an adjective modifying the noun "contradiction". It's used to emphasize a significant and often unexpected opposition or inconsistency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stark contradiction" is an effective phrase for highlighting significant and often unexpected oppositions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and primarily used in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While interchangeable with alternatives like "a glaring inconsistency" or "a profound paradox", its strength lies in emphasizing a notable discrepancy that warrants attention. Use it judiciously to avoid diluting its impact and reserve it for situations where the contrast is genuinely impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a glaring inconsistency

Focuses on the lack of alignment between two facts or statements, emphasizing the obvious nature of the discrepancy.

a profound paradox

Emphasizes the seemingly self-contradictory nature of the situation, suggesting a deeper, more complex opposition.

a sharp divergence

Highlights the point at which two things begin to move apart or differ significantly, stressing the separation.

a blatant discrepancy

Underscores the obvious and unacceptable difference or inconsistency between two things.

a manifest opposition

Highlights a clear and evident conflict or contrast between two entities or ideas.

a marked contrast

Emphasizes a noticeable and significant difference between two things.

a fundamental conflict

Indicates a deep-seated and irreconcilable disagreement or opposition.

a distinct incongruity

Stresses the lack of harmony or compatibility between two things, suggesting something is out of place.

a patent incompatibility

Highlights the clear and obvious inability of two things to exist together or be reconciled.

a irreconcilable difference

Emphasizes the impossibility of resolving or harmonizing the opposing elements.

FAQs

How can I use "a stark contradiction" in a sentence?

Use "a stark contradiction" to highlight a significant and often surprising opposition. For example, "There's "a stark contradiction" between his words and his actions".

What can I say instead of "a stark contradiction"?

You can use alternatives like "a glaring inconsistency", "a profound paradox", or "a sharp divergence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a stark contradiction"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "a stark contradiction" in situations where the contrast is minor or self-evident can diminish its impact. Save it for genuinely significant oppositions.

What's the difference between "a stark contradiction" and "a marked contrast"?

"A marked contrast" simply highlights a noticeable difference, while ""a stark contradiction"" emphasizes a surprising or irreconcilable opposition between two things.