in contrast with

USAGE SUMMARY

"in contrast with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to point out the differences between two ideas, people, things, etc. For example: In contrast with her outgoing sister, Mary is very shy and introverted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In contrast with the Rowan attack, Ithaca's offense was dreadful.

The New York Times - Sports

The president was animated, confident, clearer, in contrast with Denver.

The Guardian

In contrast with Albert's bonhomie, Philippe seems shy and diffident.

The Economist

The comparisons with the first quarter of last year were in contrast with the national trend.

The New York Times

What's your take on the twinkly new font in contrast with the old, plain lettering?

The Guardian

The vote was orderly, in contrast with fraudulent balloting last year.

The New York Times

During the financial crisis, the bank trumpeted being conservative in contrast with its rivals.

The Guardian - Business

In contrast with the family story, the portrait of Idi Amin is drawn directly from life.

The New York Times - Books

However, in contrast with owning outright, payments of rent and other charges can fluctuate and increase.

The Guardian

In contrast with the bland Angels, the Red Sox management has shown particular candor.

The New York Times - Sports

In contrast with his dark subject matter Mr. Claudel is affable and easygoing in person.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in contrast with" to clearly highlight the differences between two subjects. Ensure that the items being contrasted are clearly defined and that the distinction is relevant to your argument or description.

Common error

Avoid using "in contrast with" when you intend to highlight similarities. This phrase is specifically for pointing out differences; use phrases like "similarly" or "in the same way" when noting resemblances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in contrast with" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a statement that highlights the differences between two or more things. It sets up a comparison by emphasizing the dissimilar qualities. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in contrast with" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, that serves to highlight differences between two subjects. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, it's important to use this phrase when emphasizing dissimilarities, and to avoid using it when similarities are intended. Alternatives like "as opposed to" and "unlike" offer similar ways to highlight distinctions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in contrast to

A more concise and formal version of the original phrase.

as opposed to

Emphasizes direct opposition or alternatives.

contrary to

Highlights a direct contradiction or divergence from something.

in opposition to

Indicates a state of being against or resisting something else.

in comparison with

Focuses on comparing two things to highlight differences.

by contrast

A shorter, more direct way to introduce a contrasting element.

unlike

A simple way to show differences between items.

conversely

Introduces an idea that reverses the one previously mentioned.

on the other hand

Presents an alternative perspective or situation.

whereas

Used to directly compare two things, often highlighting differences.

FAQs

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

"In contrast with" is used to highlight differences between two things. For example, "In contrast with the city's busy streets, the park offers a peaceful retreat."

What are some alternatives to "in contrast with"?

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

Is there a difference between "in contrast to" and "in contrast with"?

While both phrases are used to show differences, "in contrast to" is generally considered more formal. The choice depends on the tone and style of your writing. Both are acceptable.

Can I use "in contrast with" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "in contrast with" can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a contrasting point. For instance, "In contrast with previous years, this year's sales figures are significantly higher."