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 different from
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are starkly different from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a significant contrast between two or more subjects. Example: "The results of the two experiments are starkly different from each other, indicating that the variables had a substantial impact."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
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
8 human-written examples
Thomas's Webcasts are starkly different from those of his 1930s predecessors.
News & Media
China's rapid modernisation has given rise to a young generation whose attitudes towards sex and relationships are starkly different from that of their parents and grandparents.
News & Media
At ten minutes in length, it follows in the tradition of Varone's successful small-scale works ("Home," "Aperture"), but its means of illuminating a couple's fumbling communication are starkly different from those earlier works.
News & Media
The two candidates offer visions for the future of the Republican Party that are starkly different from one another and from what the Party seems to envisage for itself.
News & Media
And the Nankai Trough sediments are starkly different from another high-temperature environment, the hydrothermal vents on midocean ridges.
Science & Research
Figure 8 shows that indeed most changes happen before and after the weekend, suggesting that online preferences for ingredients during the week are starkly different from weekend preferences.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
Life in Azerbaijan is starkly different from TEAS facade of drinks and jazz.
News & Media
The response to the Fukushima disaster by Germany and Britain were starkly different from each other.
News & Media
Yet they define their own generation, which is starkly different from their fathers and grandfathers.
News & Media
Leyritz's predicament is starkly different from his days as a Yankee.
News & Media
The deal is starkly different from the proposed $12 billion acquisition of PaineWebber Group by another Swiss bank, UBS A.G.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "are starkly different from" when you want to emphasize a clear and often surprising contrast between two subjects. It's stronger than simply saying they are "different".
Common error
Avoid using "starkly" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "markedly", "significantly", or "distinctly" to maintain reader engagement.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "are starkly different from" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to emphasize a significant and obvious contrast between two or more entities, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
30%
Wiki
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "are starkly different from" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to emphasize significant contrasts. According to Ludwig, its neutral register suits news media, scientific writing, and other professional contexts. Alternatives like "are markedly different from" or "are significantly different from" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. While appropriate for formal writing, avoiding overuse and maintaining variation in your language ensures clarity and avoids redundancy.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
are markedly different from
Replaces "starkly" with "markedly", suggesting a noticeable difference but potentially less extreme than "starkly".
are significantly different from
Substitutes "starkly" with "significantly", indicating a statistically or practically important difference.
are sharply different from
Uses "sharply" to suggest a sudden and distinct contrast.
are substantially different from
Replaces "starkly" with "substantially", indicating a considerable difference in substance or degree.
are unambiguously different from
Highlights that the difference is very clear and impossible to misunderstand.
are vastly different from
Replaces "starkly" with "vastly", suggesting a very large or extensive difference.
are clearly different from
Replaces "starkly" with "clearly", emphasizing the ease with which the difference can be perceived.
are completely different from
Emphasizes that there are no similarities at all, a stronger statement than "starkly different".
are greatly different from
Uses "greatly" instead of "starkly" to convey a large degree of difference.
are entirely different from
Similar to "completely different", it stresses the total lack of similarity.
FAQs
How can I use "are starkly different from" in a sentence?
This phrase emphasizes a significant contrast. For example, "The company's new strategy and the previous one are starkly different from each other."
What can I say instead of "are starkly different from"?
You can use alternatives like "are markedly different from", "are significantly different from", or "are distinctly different from" depending on the context.
What's the difference between "are starkly different from" and "are slightly different from"?
"Are starkly different from" indicates a major contrast, while "are slightly different from" suggests only minor variations. The former highlights a significant divergence, and the latter, a subtle one.
Is it appropriate to use "are starkly different from" in formal writing?
Yes, "are starkly different from" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express a significant difference, as shown by its presence in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested