in contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

“in contrast” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two opposing ideas. For example, “The two candidates have very different views on healthcare; in contrast, one of them favors a single-payer system while the other supports a free market approach.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In contrast, A.I.G.

The New Yorker

In contrast, the I.T.U.

The New York Times

In contrast, "husband" does.

Independent

"That's in contrast to Peter.

The New York Times

In contrast, Chelsea are not.

Independent

BT's, in contrast, rose.

The Guardian

In contrast, he says.

The New York Times

In contrast, F.A.O.

The New York Times

In Contrast to I.B.M.

The New York Times

[pdf]  (In contrast, Brazil had $1 billion).

The New York Times

In contrast, determining influence is more tricky.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in contrast", ensure that the elements you are comparing are clearly defined and easily understood by the reader. Avoid ambiguity in your comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "in contrast" without clearly establishing what you are contrasting. Always make sure the two items being compared are explicitly mentioned in the surrounding text, or the comparison will not make sense for the reader.

How to use

Learn how to use "in contrast" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in contrast" functions as a contrastive adverbial phrase. It serves to introduce an element that differs significantly from a preceding one, highlighting the distinctions between them. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in contrast" is a versatile tool for highlighting differences and setting up contrasting ideas. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Its function is to emphasize distinctions, and its register is generally neutral. For more nuanced comparisons, alternatives like "on the contrary" or "conversely" can be considered. Remember to clearly define the elements you are contrasting to ensure clarity for your reader. Overall, "in contrast" remains a valuable asset in any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the contrary

This phrase presents a direct opposition or negation of a previous statement.

conversely

This adverb introduces a statement that reverses the preceding one.

by comparison

This phrase introduces a comparison to highlight the differences between two things.

in opposition to

This phrase indicates a direct disagreement or resistance to something.

unlike

This preposition indicates a difference in characteristics or qualities.

different from

This phrase highlights a distinction between two entities.

whereas

This conjunction introduces a contrasting element or situation.

on the other hand

This phrase introduces an alternative viewpoint or consideration.

as opposed to

This phrase emphasizes the contrast between two options or entities.

in defiance of

This phrase highlights a challenge or resistance to a rule or expectation.

FAQs

How to use "in contrast" in a sentence?

Use "in contrast" to highlight differences between two things. For example, "Dogs are loyal; "in contrast", cats are independent".

What can I say instead of "in contrast"?

You can use alternatives like "on the contrary", "conversely", or "by comparison" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "in contrast to"?

While "in contrast" is sufficient, "in contrast to" can be used for emphasis or clarity, especially when followed by a specific noun or phrase.

What's the difference between "in contrast" and "however"?

"In contrast" directly opposes two elements, while "however" introduces a qualification or reservation to a previous statement.