contrast with

USAGE SUMMARY

"contrast with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a difference between two things, either by comparing them directly or by highlighting their opposite qualities. For example: The warm brown colours of the wooden furniture contrast with the bright white walls in the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Compare and contrast with George Osborne.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The contrast with the North is stark.

The New York Times

Consider the contrast with neighboring South Korea.

The New York Times

The contrast with Arsenal is obvious.

Independent

The contrast with Eriksson was stark.

Independent

The contrast with Rumsfeld is startling.

The New Yorker

The contrast with China is telling.

The Economist

The contrast with Colombia is instructive.

The Economist

The contrast with Ronald Reagan is revealing.

The Economist

Compare and contrast with astrology.

The Guardian

The contrast with the New York Stock Exchange is striking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrast with" to clearly highlight the differences between two subjects, ensuring that the comparison adds valuable insight or understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "contrast with" when a simple comparison suffices. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the differences are significant and warrant specific attention, rather than using it for minor or obvious distinctions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrast with" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a comparison highlighting the differences between two subjects. Ludwig shows how it connects elements to emphasize their distinct characteristics, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contrast with" is a common and correct way to highlight differences between two subjects. As indicated by Ludwig, it's prevalent in News & Media and Science, serving to draw attention to disparities for clarity. It's best used when significant distinctions warrant emphasis, avoiding overuse in simple comparisons. Alternatives include "differ from" and "stand in contrast to". Its versatility makes it useful across contexts, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for various audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ from

This focuses on the point of unlikeness rather than a direct comparison.

differentiate from

Actively distinguishing between two things.

stand in contrast to

More formal and emphasizes a pronounced difference.

mark a distinction from

Highlights a clear difference.

vary from

Implies a range of differences, not necessarily a stark contrast.

be unlike

States a simple difference without comparison.

diverge from

Suggests a separation or deviation from a common point.

present a disparity with

Emphasizes an inequality or difference.

bear little resemblance to

Highlights the lack of similarity between two things.

deviate from

Focuses on straying from a standard or norm.

FAQs

How do I use "contrast with" in a sentence?

Use "contrast with" to highlight the differences between two subjects. For example: "The modern architecture "contrasts with" the historical buildings in the old town."

What are some alternatives to "contrast with"?

You can use alternatives like "differ from", "vary from", or "stand in contrast to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "contrast with" or "compared to"?

"Contrast with" emphasizes differences, while "compared to" is a more general comparison that can highlight both similarities and differences. Choose the phrase that best reflects your intended emphasis.

Can "contrast with" be used to compare abstract concepts?

Yes, "contrast with" can be used to compare abstract concepts. For example: "The concept of justice "contrasts with" the reality of systemic inequality."