Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
are starkly
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are starkly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear and noticeable contrast or difference between two or more things. Example: "The results of the study are starkly different from previous findings, highlighting a significant shift in trends."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
57 human-written examples
The politics are starkly Soviet, but the atmosphere is old-school Russian.
News & Media
"Two provisions within the US constitution are starkly out of line with this kind of arrangement.
News & Media
The pieces that make up this satiric rendering of Yeats' prophetic and terrifying poem are starkly rendered.
News & Media
But the tones are starkly different.
News & Media
The circumstances are starkly different too.
News & Media
But conditions this time are starkly different.
News & Media
The campaigns are starkly different, too.
News & Media
The lines of emulation are starkly obvious.
News & Media
They are starkly divided between uncritical enthusiasm and total condemnation.
News & Media
The outcomes for the lenders are starkly different.
News & Media
The mail and calendar programs are starkly minimalist.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "are starkly" to highlight a significant and easily noticeable difference or contrast between two or more things. It adds emphasis and clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "are starkly" when the difference is minor or subtle. Overusing it can weaken its impact and make your writing sound exaggerated. Use it only for truly significant contrasts.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "are starkly" functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the degree to which something differs or contrasts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples showcase its use to highlight significant distinctions.
Frequent in
News & Media
72%
Science
14%
Formal & Business
8%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "are starkly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight significant contrasts or differences. Ludwig AI supports its validity. It is particularly common in news and media, science and formal business contexts, indicating its versatility and broad acceptance. When using this phrase, ensure that the contrast you're emphasizing is indeed substantial to maintain its impact. Overusing it in subtle situations might diminish its effectiveness. Remember to consider the register and context to ensure appropriate usage. Alternatives include "are clearly", "are markedly", and "are significantly", depending on the desired nuance.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
are sharply
Replaces "starkly" with "sharply", indicating a sudden and significant contrast.
are markedly
Substitutes "starkly" with "markedly", indicating a noticeable difference but with less severity.
are significantly
Substitutes "starkly" with "significantly", indicating a considerable difference or impact.
are distinctly
Uses "distinctly" instead of "starkly", suggesting a clear separation or difference but with a neutral tone.
are notably
Replaces "starkly" with "notably", suggesting that the difference is worth mentioning or attention.
are clearly
Replaces "starkly" with a more general term for clarity, reducing the emphasis on the degree of contrast.
are plainly
Substitutes "starkly" with "plainly", suggesting that the difference is easily visible or obvious.
stand in sharp contrast
Rephrases the sentence structure to emphasize the contrast, rather than directly modifying "are".
are evidently
Replaces "starkly" with "evidently", implying that the difference is clear based on the available evidence.
are obviously
Uses "obviously" instead of "starkly", conveying that the difference is apparent and requires no further explanation.
FAQs
How can I use "are starkly" in a sentence?
The phrase "are starkly" is used to emphasize a clear and noticeable contrast. For example, "The economic policies of the two countries "are starkly" different."
What are some alternatives to "are starkly"?
Some alternatives include "are clearly", "are markedly", or "are significantly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.
When is it appropriate to use "are starkly"?
It's appropriate to use "are starkly" when you want to emphasize a significant and easily noticeable difference or contrast. Avoid using it for minor or subtle differences.
What's the difference between "are starkly" and "are slightly"?
"Are starkly" indicates a strong and obvious contrast, while "are slightly" suggests a minor or subtle difference. The choice between them depends on the magnitude of the difference you're describing.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested