contrasts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrasts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing differences between two or more subjects, ideas, or elements. Example: "The author effectively highlights the contrasts between the two characters, showcasing their differing motivations and backgrounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In these sub divisions of the ComRes sample the numbers asked get pretty small, but the patterns and contrasts still catch the eye.

The Guardian

And they will appreciate the way Huhne's vision of a rich diversity of local provision contrasts with the Tory idea of popular schools taking over the rest: "It's been a good half for the school: the match with Harrow was won, and St Custard's was purchased through a leveraged buy out".

The Guardian - Opinion

While the navy's actions received no punishment, this strongly contrasts with the Australian government's aggressive crackdown on the boats of our Indonesian neighbours and its ongoing effects on their families, who suffer punitive circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once you've mastered the basics, you can play around with the recipe to your heart's content (and it ought to be content: many versions are very low in fat) – but the guiding principle should always be to cram as many contrasts of flavour and texture into each bite as possible, while retaining the roll's elegant appearance (ie don't get too Man v Food about it).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her visit, which has many of the trappings of a state visit rarely offered to a head of government, contrasts with the low key reception for the French president, François Hollande, at the Anglo-French summit last month at RAF Brize Norton.

The Guardian

It is a place of contrasts, wooded and farmed, but with a rugged east-facing coastline where you can watch the oil rigs being tugged in for servicing from the North Sea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of course, every generation of radicals looks different from the last one, but the economic and behavioural contrasts that are obvious in Greece are also present in most other countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

The vulnerability of a naked body contrasts so severely with the unifomed and armed body of a soldier that it highlights the inequality of the solder/victim relationship.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Highlights emphasise contrasts between the battling power of his style and its moments of tender, comic revelation.

The Guardian

This contrasts sharply with the actual pay figures.

The Guardian - Business

Whichever you go for, keep the texture fairly chunky, rather than finely chopping it as Jaffrey suggests, as it contrasts well with the squidgy cheese.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrasts", ensure you clearly articulate what is being compared and the specific points of difference. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid generic statements like "The study shows contrasts." Instead, be specific: "The study shows contrasts in patient outcomes based on treatment modality."

Linguistic Context

The word "contrasts" functions primarily as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of "contrast". It indicates that something highlights the differences between two or more entities. This aligns with Ludwig's confirmation of the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrasts" is a verb that is grammatically sound and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as in formal business and scientific contexts, to highlight differences between two or more subjects. When using "contrasts", clearly specify what is being compared to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "highlights the differences" or "showcases the disparities" can be used for variety, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highlights the differences

Focuses on explicitly pointing out the dissimilar aspects.

showcases the disparities

Emphasizes the notable differences in a way that is visually or conceptually clear.

underscores the distinctions

Brings attention to clear and important differences.

juxtaposes the elements

Places elements side by side to emphasize their differences.

reveals the variations

Uncovers different forms or versions, emphasizing their divergence.

illuminates the contrasts

Metaphorically 'shines light' on the differences, making them more noticeable.

delineates the boundaries

Clearly marks the separation or differences between items.

sets apart the features

Highlights unique attributes that cause separation.

exhibits the deviations

Shows the ways in which something differs or strays from a norm.

marks the divergence

Indicates a point where things begin to differ or separate.

FAQs

How can I use "contrasts" in a sentence?

Use "contrasts" to highlight differences between two or more things. For instance, "The author effectively "highlights the differences" between the two characters."

What words can I use instead of "contrasts"?

Alternatives include "highlights the differences", "showcases the disparities", or "underscores the distinctions", depending on the specific context.

How does "contrasts" differ from "compares"?

"Contrasts" emphasizes differences, while "compares" looks at both similarities and differences. For example, a text might compare two economic policies, but it would contrast their potential impacts.

Is it correct to say "the book contrasts two different approaches"?

Yes, it is correct. The sentence indicates that the book highlights the differences between two different approaches. You could also say the book "differentiates between" or "distinguishes between".