a substantial contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial contrast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing significant differences between two or more subjects, ideas, or situations. Example: "There is a substantial contrast between the two proposals, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The results obtained through conducting different experiments on various images show a substantial contrast improvement in the filtered images, in which they appear better than their original versions.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The invitation design that we implemented (see Figure 1) resulted in a substantial contrast in the median number of invitations.

British Journal of Cancer

These include the following: 1) different approaches to glucose lowering; 2) varying glucose targets; 3) inability to clearly achieve a substantial contrast in glucose concentrations between the study groups; 4) heterogeneous study designs; 5) underrecruitment; and 6) the absence of a simple, easily implementable, reproducible approach to glucose control in the CCU (13).

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We maintained a substantial exposure contrast throughout the trial, although the contrast may have been slightly less during the first few months.

Environmental Health Perspectives

A more substantial contrasting proposal is that what justifies our beliefs is ultimately the way in which they hang together or dovetail so as to produce a coherent set.

SEP

Until then, the discharges are causing "a substantial visible contrast to natural conditions," in violation of state and federal water quality  standards, he said.

The New York Times

As observed for the Cy5 labeled probes, we observed a rapid accumulation of the probe signal in and around the breast tumors, with substantial contrast demarcating the tumor margin from healthy surrounding tissues as early as 1 h post injection.

ACS Chemical Biology

"That was in substantial contrast to efforts by Connecticut and Fairfield politicians.

The New York Times

The substantial contrast in commuters' exposure compared with the urban background is consistent with previous studies (Kaur et al. 2007).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Because there was substantial contrast between the echo characteristics of the LFCN and that of the surrounding tissue, the LFCN could be easily identified and usually showed an ovoid hypoechoic structure with hyperechoic dots within it.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

MRI can also serve as an adjunctive diagnostic tool to confirm the presence of both hepatic and splenic nodules that appear hypointense, relative to the adjacent parenchyma on all sequences, without substantial contrast enhancement after gadolinium administration, and appear less evident on delayed imaging, suggesting equilibration.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial contrast", clearly identify the elements being compared to ensure the comparison is understood. For example, "There is a substantial contrast between the two approaches, highlighting the benefits of the new method."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "a substantial contrast" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler phrases like "a big difference" or "very different" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial contrast" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its proper usage. It signifies a notable and considerable difference or dissimilarity between two or more entities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial contrast" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a significant difference between two or more entities. Ludwig AI analysis indicates the phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. While correct, it might sound too formal in casual conversation where simpler alternatives could be more suitable. Remember to clearly identify the items being compared when using this phrase to ensure clear communication. For more relaxed conversations, consider using "a big difference" or "very different".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant difference

This alternative emphasizes the degree of difference rather than the act of contrasting.

a marked distinction

This alternative highlights a clear and easily noticeable difference.

a considerable disparity

This alternative emphasizes the inequality or difference in amount or quality.

a notable divergence

This alternative suggests a branching off or deviation from a common point.

a pronounced difference

This alternative indicates that the difference is very noticeable or obvious.

a striking contrast

This alternative suggests a visually or intellectually impressive difference.

a sharp differentiation

This alternative emphasizes a clear and distinct separation.

a vast divergence

This alternative intensifies the sense of deviation, implying a large separation.

a major discrepancy

This alternative is suitable when the contrast involves conflicting facts or inconsistencies.

a fundamental opposition

This alternative is used when the contrast involves conflicting ideas or principles.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial contrast" to highlight a significant difference between two or more things. For example, "There is "a substantial contrast" between the traditional method and the modern approach."

What phrases are similar to "a substantial contrast"?

Alternatives include "a significant difference", "a marked distinction", or "a considerable disparity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "substantial difference" or "substantial contrast"?

Both "substantial difference" and "substantial contrast" are grammatically correct, but they emphasize slightly different aspects. "Substantial difference" focuses on the degree of difference, while "substantial contrast" emphasizes the act of comparing and noting the difference. Choose the phrase that best fits your intended meaning.

Can "a substantial contrast" be used in informal writing?

While technically correct, "a substantial contrast" may sound overly formal in casual writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a big difference" or "very different" in less formal contexts.