as a contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as a contrast' is a perfectly valid phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two different things or ideas. For example: "The car's modern styling serves as a contrast to its traditional engine design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take as a contrast Norway.

The Guardian

"As a contrast to the very historic, it's quite imaginative".

The New York Times

As a contrast to these, the ensemble is also offering Ravel's sole essay in the form.

The New York Times

Mr. Chandler denounced Mr. Fletcher's rubber-stamp tendencies as a contrast to his streak of independence.

The New York Times

"As a contrast to last week, there were a lot of positives," Pearson said.

The Guardian - Sport

He went on to more soberly describe this as a contrast between the two.

The Guardian

The people in Novosibirsk see themselves as a contrast to the fast-movers and crowds of far-off Moscow.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was billed as a contrast between thriftiness and largesse – but also stability against a new and unpredictable mix.

The Guardian - Sport

As a contrast, his father took him & his brother to visit two elderly male relatives who lived nearby.

The New Yorker

Mr. Paul employs a defense that also serves as a contrast with his rivals.

The New York Times

Presumably on first appearance, Jana was meant as a contrast to point up Mary's good sense and moderation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a contrast", ensure that the elements being contrasted are clearly defined and that the contrast enhances the overall understanding of the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "as a contrast" if there's no clear element to compare against. Without a distinct point of reference, the phrase becomes redundant and weakens your writing. For example, instead of saying "As a contrast, this approach is innovative", specify what it contrasts with: "As a contrast to traditional methods, this approach is innovative".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a contrast" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a contrasting element or viewpoint. Ludwig examples show its use in setting up comparisons and highlighting differences. It serves to redirect the reader's attention to an opposing perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a contrast" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a comparison, highlighting the differences between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively redirects attention to an opposing perspective. Its frequent use in News & Media and Science demonstrates its versatility across various writing styles. While alternatives like "in contrast" or "conversely" exist, "as a contrast" offers a slightly more formal tone, suitable for contexts where a clear and explicit comparison is needed. Remember, ensure a clear point of reference for an effective comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in contrast

Shorter and more direct, omitting "as a" for brevity.

by contrast

Similar to "in contrast", but emphasizes the act of contrasting.

as a comparison

Focuses on the act of comparing rather than contrasting.

conversely

Indicates a reverse or opposite relationship.

on the other hand

Introduces an opposing point of view or element.

in opposition to

Highlights a direct conflict or disagreement.

unlike

Directly points out the dissimilar nature of something.

as opposed to

Emphasizes the difference or alternative.

differently

A simple adverb indicating a difference in manner.

in divergence

Focuses on the act of diverging or moving away from a shared point.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as a contrast" in a sentence?

To effectively use "as a contrast", ensure you clearly state what is being contrasted. For instance, "The city's modern architecture stands "as a contrast" to its historical district." Always make the comparison explicit to avoid ambiguity.

What are some alternatives to using "as a contrast" in writing?

Alternatives to "as a contrast" include "in contrast", "by contrast", or "conversely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, but all effectively highlight differences.

Is there a difference between "as a contrast" and "in contrast"?

While both "as a contrast" and "in contrast" serve a similar purpose, "as a contrast" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of making a comparison. "In contrast" is more direct and commonly used.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "as a contrast"?

It's inappropriate to use "as a contrast" when there is no actual comparison being made. The phrase requires two distinct elements to be compared; without this, the phrase becomes meaningless and can confuse the reader.