in contrast to

USAGE SUMMARY

"in contrast to" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is used to express the opposite of, or to contrast with, something that has just been stated. For example: "The job was physically demanding, in contrast to the previous job which had been largely desk-based."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's in contrast to Peter.

The New York Times

This stands in contrast to previous states.

The New York Times

That's in contrast to 762,000 cars.

The New York Times

This stands in contrast to New Hampshire.

The New York Times

In Contrast to I.B.M.

The New York Times

In contrast to.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

In contrast to many clinics, the N.Y.U.

The New York Times

Is that in contrast to most actors?

The Guardian

In contrast to these findings the i.c.v.

European Journal of Pharmacology

In contrast to today's, it was uncomfortable.

The New York Times - Health

That is in contrast to the pessimism of Realists.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in contrast to" to clearly highlight the differences between two subjects or situations. Ensure that the elements being compared are logically related to maintain clarity and coherence.

Common error

Avoid using "in contrast to" if the elements being compared are not parallel in grammatical structure. Ensure both sides of the comparison are expressed in similar terms to maintain balance and readability.

How to use

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

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in contrast to" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a contrasting element or idea. It sets up a comparison to highlight the differences between two subjects, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in contrast to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight differences between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts, including news and media, science, and academia. While alternatives like "unlike" and "as opposed to" exist, "in contrast to" offers a clear and direct way to emphasize distinctions. When using this phrase, ensure that the elements being compared are parallel in structure to maintain clarity. Overall, "in contrast to" is a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by contrast with

Emphasizes a direct comparison, highlighting the differences between two things.

as opposed to

Highlights a clear distinction or choice between two options.

in contradiction to

Emphasizes a direct conflict or logical inconsistency.

in opposition to

Suggests a more direct conflict or disagreement with something.

differing from

Highlights the ways in which something is not the same as something else.

unlike

A simpler and more informal way to express a difference.

on the contrary

Used to negate a previous statement and introduce the opposite.

conversely

Indicates a reversal or opposite situation.

in divergence with

Focuses on the point where two things begin to move in different directions.

notwithstanding

Acknowledges a contrasting factor but does not negate the main point.

FAQs

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

Use "in contrast to" to introduce a contrasting element or idea. For example: "In contrast to the sunny weather, yesterday was cold and rainy."

What are some alternatives to "in contrast to"?

You can use alternatives like "unlike", "as opposed to", or "conversely" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "in contrast to" or "by contrast"?

Both "in contrast to" and "by contrast" are correct and can be used interchangeably. "In contrast to" may be slightly more common in everyday usage.

What's the difference between "in contrast to" and "in comparison to"?

"In contrast to" highlights the differences between two things, while "in comparison to" focuses on both similarities and differences. Use "in contrast to" when you want to emphasize the distinctions.