drawing a contrast between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drawing a contrast between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing differences or distinctions between two or more subjects, ideas, or concepts. Example: "In her essay, she is drawing a contrast between traditional education and online learning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

He delights in drawing a contrast between the flashiness of Wall Street and his nondescript midtown Manhattan offices.

The Economist

Drawing a contrast between Mr. Lazio and Mrs. Clinton, she said he "understands what it means to be a New Yorker.

The New York Times

Repeatedly drawing a contrast between himself and Mr. Bush, he asserted that he would not need "on the job training" as president.

The New York Times

Mr. Gottlieb questioned Ms. Lane's decision to tell her story on television in February, drawing a contrast between her tears on the witness stand and her television appearance.

The New York Times

As a prominent supporter of George Bush, Mr Romney certainly doesn't mind drawing a contrast between the Democrats' and Republicans' stance.

The Economist

Much of the Texas Republican's address was devoted to drawing a contrast between himself and Vice President Gore, casting himself as a leader who would pave the way for a bipartisan agreement on a pressing policy matter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Characters draw a contrast between caring for flowers and fish and the callous treatment of prisoners.

The New York Times

Yet on Tuesday she managed to draw a contrast between the two candidates, elliptically.

The New York Times

He drew a contrast between the illegal activities of the past and current C.I.A. practices, which he insists are lawful.

The New York Times

Mr. Gibbs seemed to draw a contrast between Mr. Obama's trip abroad as a candidate with that of Mr. Romney.

The New York Times

He also drew a contrast between the city's willingness to finance a gay choral group but not the more confrontational Esperanza project.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "drawing a contrast between" two subjects, ensure that you provide specific details and examples to support the distinction you're making. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the differences between the subjects you're comparing. Ensure the contrasts you "draw" are factual and avoid introducing bias.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drawing a contrast between" functions as a verbal phrase used to introduce a comparison that highlights differences. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often prefaces a discussion that clarifies distinct features or characteristics of the compared subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drawing a contrast between" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to highlight the differences between two or more subjects. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for both formal and neutral registers. While many alternative phrases exist, such as "highlighting differences between" and "comparing and contrasting", it’s essential to use specific details and avoid overstating contrasts for clarity. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for emphasizing distinctions and creating clearer arguments in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pointing out the contrast between

Highlights the act of 'pointing out', adding an element of directness or emphasis.

comparing and contrasting

More explicit and balanced, specifying both comparison and contrast rather than implying them.

comparing to highlight differences

Directly states the purpose of the comparison: to highlight differences, which makes it less subtle.

contrasting

Shorter, more direct verb form; lacks the nuance of a deliberate act of "drawing" a contrast.

making a distinction between

Emphasizes the act of differentiating, which is a narrower focus than a full contrast.

highlighting differences between

Focuses on 'differences', making it less about a balanced comparison and more about disparities.

showing the difference between

More informal and straightforward, lacks the analytical aspect implied by "drawing a contrast".

differentiating between

Focuses on the separation of items or concepts, not necessarily on illuminating differences.

juxtaposing

Implies a side-by-side placement to emphasize differences, which can be more visually oriented.

setting in opposition

More forceful, implying an active or deliberate placement of things against each other.

FAQs

How can I use "drawing a contrast between" in a sentence?

Use "drawing a contrast between" to highlight the differences between two or more subjects. For example: "The author is drawing a contrast between the city and rural life".

What are some alternatives to "drawing a contrast between"?

Alternatives include "highlighting differences between", "comparing and contrasting", or "making a distinction between".

Is there a more formal way to say "drawing a contrast between"?

A more formal alternative would be "delineating the disparities between" or "articulating the distinctions between". These phrases are suitable for academic or professional writing.

What is the difference between "drawing a contrast between" and "drawing a comparison between"?

"Drawing a contrast between" emphasizes the differences, while "drawing a comparison between" /s/drawing+a+comparison+between focuses on the similarities. They are opposite actions in analytical writing.