a stark contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

'a stark contrast' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a great or dramatic difference between two things. For example, "The city center is a stark contrast to the rural countryside that surrounds it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even so, it is a stark contrast from almost a year ago.

The New York Times

What a stark contrast.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Today's situation is a stark contrast.

The Guardian - Sport

Once ashore, a stark contrast is obvious.

The Washington Post

Off the ice, it was a stark contrast in personalities.

The Washington Post

The Tesla assembly line is a stark contrast, brilliantly lighted.

The New York Times

It also highlighted a stark contrast with the United States.

The Washington Post

"There is such a stark contrast," he says.

The Guardian - Travel

The reaction on Wednesday was a stark contrast.

The New York Times

A stark contrast to Australia is the USA.

The Guardian

Voters were offered a stark contrast in this race.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stark contrast" to effectively highlight significant differences between two subjects, enhancing clarity and impact in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a stark contrast" too frequently in a single piece of writing; instead, vary your language with synonyms like "marked difference" or "sharp distinction" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

"A stark contrast" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes a significant difference between two entities or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

21%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A stark contrast" is a frequently used phrase to denote a significant difference between two things. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. Appearing most often in news and academic contexts, the phrase maintains a formal register suitable for objective reporting and analysis. To avoid overuse, consider related phrases such as "a marked difference" or "a sharp distinction". By understanding its usage and context, you can effectively incorporate "a stark contrast" into your writing to emphasize notable disparities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marked difference

Focuses on the noticeable dissimilarity between two things.

a sharp distinction

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the difference.

a striking divergence

Highlights a significant departure or deviation.

a clear opposition

Stresses the direct conflict or contradiction between two things.

a radical departure

Indicates a significant change or deviation from the norm.

a world of difference

Emphasizes a vast or significant degree of dissimilarity.

a complete turnaround

Highlights a full reversal or change in direction.

poles apart

Implies that two things are at opposite extremes.

night and day

Emphasizes the extreme difference between two things, like day versus night.

a sea change

Indicates a substantial and transformative shift.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stark contrast" to highlight significant differences between two things. For example, "The bustling city is "a stark contrast" to the quiet countryside."

What are some alternatives to "a stark contrast"?

Some alternatives include "a marked difference", "a sharp distinction", or "a striking divergence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "stark contrast" without the article "a"?

While understandable, it's more grammatically correct and commonly used to include the article "a" before "stark contrast" when referring to a specific instance of contrast. Without "a", it may sound slightly less formal or incomplete.

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

"A stark contrast" emphasizes a significant, easily noticeable difference, whereas "a subtle difference" indicates a minor, less obvious distinction. They are near opposites in terms of the magnitude of difference conveyed.