a striking contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

'a striking contrast' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a situation in which two or more things are contrasted in a striking way, such as: "The bright colors of the flowers against the somber sky created a striking contrast."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The western Pamirs present a striking contrast.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They make a striking contrast.

The New York Times

This gives a striking contrast to its rugged setting.

The Guardian - Arts

The Beame years were a striking contrast to his predecessor's.

The New York Times

There is a striking contrast between its two shores.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indeed, he makes a striking contrast to his predecessor.

The Economist

The stem on a sedum is almost black, a striking contrast with its pinky-red blossom.

The New York Times

It was a striking contrast to the Americans then trying to rebuild Iraq.

The New York Times

Faure's Sonata No. 1, with its fascinatingly wayward harmonic language, provided a striking contrast.

The New York Times - Arts

Here, just outside the cathedral walls, is a striking contrast between old and new Canterbury.

The New York Times

The moment was a striking contrast to the unit's usual sober atmosphere.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a striking contrast" when you want to emphasize a significant and easily noticeable difference between two or more things. Ensure the context provides clear points of comparison for the contrast to be effective.

Common error

Avoid using "a striking contrast" when the differences are minor or subjective. The contrast should be genuinely significant and readily apparent to the reader; otherwise, the phrase loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a striking contrast" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its wide applicability in various contexts, highlighting its role in emphasizing notable differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a striking contrast" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively highlights significant differences. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, making it suitable for a variety of registers. While alternative phrases like "a noticeable difference" or "a marked distinction" can be used, "a striking contrast" remains a powerful way to draw attention to notable disparities. When employing this phrase, ensure that the comparison is both clear and significant to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct contrast

A subtle change; it replaces "striking" with "distinct" to soften the impact.

a clear dissimilarity

Underscores the lack of resemblance or similarity between the items being compared.

a marked distinction

Emphasizes the clarity and definition of the difference.

a significant disparity

Indicates a considerable imbalance or inequality.

a noticeable difference

Focuses more on the perceptibility of the difference rather than its dramatic impact.

a sharp divergence

Highlights the point at which things begin to deviate significantly.

a considerable variance

Points out the degree to which things differ or do not align.

a pronounced deviation

Stresses that the departure from a norm or expectation is easily observed.

a bold juxtaposition

This implies putting two things together to highlight their differences, adding a layer of intentional placement.

an obvious contradiction

Highlights a direct conflict or incompatibility between two things.

FAQs

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

Use "a striking contrast" to highlight a noticeable and significant difference between two or more things. For example, "There is "a striking contrast" between the modern building and the historic architecture surrounding it."

What are some alternatives to "a striking contrast"?

You can use phrases like "a noticeable difference", "a marked distinction", or "a clear dissimilarity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "striking contrast between" or "striking contrast to"?

Both "striking contrast between" and "striking contrast to" are grammatically correct, but "between" is generally preferred when comparing two distinct entities, while "to" can be used to show opposition or dissimilarity to a single reference point. For example, "the "a striking contrast" between good and evil" vs. "the moment was "a striking contrast" to the unit's usual sober atmosphere."

How does "a striking contrast" differ from "a subtle difference"?

"A striking contrast" emphasizes a clear, easily noticeable difference, while "a subtle difference" indicates a minor or less obvious distinction. The choice depends on the magnitude and obviousness of the difference you are describing.