an obvious contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obvious contrast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when highlighting a clear difference between two or more elements, ideas, or situations. Example: "The study revealed an obvious contrast between the two groups' responses to the treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

He drew an obvious contrast with his better-financed rival Mitt Romney, who battered Mr. Huckabee with critical commercials and mail.

The New York Times

Michaelson, whose slim figure presents an obvious contrast to Syrnikov's, paused and added, "If you need proof, look at Maksim, and look at me".

The New Yorker

Zola's upbeat demeanour yesterday provided an obvious contrast to Curbishley's habitually dour air, which the former manager projected even when his team were winning.

The Guardian - Sport

For (very) old Sun hands like myself there is an obvious contrast between the 1980s-style don't-give-a-damn attitude to critics and rivals.

The Guardian

The Rastafarians, in particular, still saw Manley as a friend of the oppressed, and there was an obvious contrast with the polite but tepid response accorded to Seaga, who hurried to his seat surrounded by uniformed guards.

The Guardian - Music

The L.B.C. women, with their mid-calf dresses, and the L.B.C. men, with their clipped hair and white shirts, present an obvious contrast to all the other college students in Lynchburg.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

These attempts at philanthropy invite a pretty obvious contrast to a fine actor who did manage to be a fine citizen: Paul Newman.

The New York Times - Books

As shown in B of Figure 6, a larger R value leads to a more obvious contrast enhancement result.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

He said he believed that voters had responded to what he described as his relentlessly cheerful message, drawing an unstated but obvious contrast with Dr. Dean.

The New York Times

The implied idealism of Scott and Adrianna's burgeoning romance makes a painful if overly obvious contrast to the wretched adult relationships.

The New York Times

And opposition groups are having a field day, drawing the obvious contrast between Iraq's treatment and the way that Israel manages to ignore Security Council resolutions, build nuclear weapons and refuse to sign any non-proliferation treaty.Mr Hussein still aspires to lead the Arab world.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an obvious contrast" when you want to emphasize a difference that is easily noticeable and requires little to no explanation. It adds weight to your observation and makes your point more convincing.

Common error

While "an obvious contrast" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "a clear distinction" or "a striking difference" as appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious contrast" functions as a noun phrase, where "contrast" is the head noun and "obvious" is an adjective modifying it. The article "an" precedes the adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as evidenced by the example sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obvious contrast" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize a clear and easily noticeable difference. Ludwig AI validates its use across a range of sources, including news media and scientific publications. While versatile, consider using synonyms to avoid repetition and refine the specific nuance you want to convey. This phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse writing styles, enhancing clarity and impact when highlighting key distinctions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear distinction

Emphasizes the clarity and sharpness of the difference.

a striking difference

Highlights how noticeable and remarkable the difference is.

a marked disparity

Focuses on the inequality or imbalance between the compared items.

a notable divergence

Suggests a deviation or departure from a common point.

a distinct variation

Emphasizes the unique characteristics of each item that set them apart.

a palpable difference

Indicates that the difference is easily perceived or felt.

a manifest dissimilarity

Stresses that the lack of resemblance is plainly apparent.

a glaring inconsistency

Highlights a stark and often unsettling lack of uniformity.

a sharp cleavage

Emphasizes a distinct separation or division.

a plain differentiation

Focuses on the simplicity and ease of distinguishing between the items.

FAQs

How can I use "an obvious contrast" in a sentence?

You can use "an obvious contrast" to highlight a clear difference between two things. For example, "There's "an obvious contrast" between his early and later works."

What phrases are similar to "an obvious contrast"?

Alternatives include "a clear distinction", "a striking difference", or "a marked disparity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say 'a obvious contrast' instead of "an obvious contrast"?

No, it is not correct. The correct article to use before "obvious" is "an" because "obvious" begins with a vowel sound.

What is the difference between "an obvious contrast" and "a subtle contrast"?

"An obvious contrast" indicates a difference that is easily noticeable, while "a subtle contrast" suggests a difference that is delicate or not immediately apparent.