in steep contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in steep contrast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a significant difference between two subjects or ideas. Example: "The vibrant colors of the painting were in steep contrast to the dull, gray walls of the gallery."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The divergences among the placental mammal orders in this study occurred between ≈100 and ≈80 Mya, thus well inside the Cretaceous (140 65 Mya) and agrees with previous molecular based estimates on mitogenomic and phylogenomic data [ 2, 11, 23] but is in steep contrast with some recent interpretations of the fossil record [ 46].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

British collecting in this field is in steep decline in startling contrast with the strength of the English trade, which is about to demonstrate its continuing pre-eminence on the international scene.

The New York Times - Arts

This curve represents a steep wash-in of contrast medium, due to the high vascularization and perfusion with leakage through the highly permeable capillaries, followed by an early wash-out back into the intravascular space because of the small interstitial space with closely packed plasma cells.

Insights into Imaging

Contrast this with coal, which indisputably is in steep decline.

Huffington Post

Aircraft stalled in steep climb.

Independent

By 1724, pirates were in steep decline.

The New Yorker

(AP) — The Eastman Kodak Company posted a $119 million profit in the first quarter in contrast to a steep loss a year earlier, lifted by inkjet printer sales and a legal settlement over digital-imaging technology.

The New York Times

Damage to (text {OAS}_{text {mg}}) performance due to increasing (p_{text {neg}}) appears very gradual (in strong contrast to steep (text {OAS}_{text {mg}}) drops observed for the Uniform Threshold Model).

Computational Social Networks

In contrast with steep rises in London and elsewhere in England and Wales, the rises in Scotland have been relatively modest, ominous for the party's hopes in May's Scottish parliamentary election.

The Guardian

A snowboarder edged a steep slope, a figure in low contrast falling from the sky.

The New York Times

By contrast, in the steep, high valleys of the Yungas, coca cultivation is a slow and back-breaking business, involving building and maintaining terraces and a three-year wait for a first crop, according to Fidel Ticon, a farmers' leader.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in steep contrast" to effectively emphasize a notable and easily perceived difference between two subjects. Ensure the subjects being compared are clearly defined to maximize the impact of the contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "in steep contrast" when the difference is subtle or minor. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a very significant or dramatic difference. Using it for insignificant variations can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in steep contrast" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a comparison, highlighting a significant difference between two subjects. It acts as an adverbial modifier, providing context for the statement it precedes, similar to how Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in steep contrast" is a useful tool for emphasizing significant differences between two subjects. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not as common as alternatives like "in sharp contrast", it provides a strong way to highlight a notable divergence. It's suitable for use in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, ensuring that the reader grasps the magnitude of the difference being presented. Remember to use it when the contrast is truly pronounced to avoid weakening your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in marked contrast

Replaces "steep" with "marked" offering a less intense degree of difference.

in stark difference

Replaces "contrast" with "difference" to provide direct variation in word choice.

in sharp distinction

Uses "distinction" instead of "contrast", emphasizing clarity of difference.

in notable opposition

Emphasizes direct conflict or resistance between the compared items.

in total divergence

Highlights a complete separation or departure from a standard.

by significant comparison

Highlights the act of comparing and finding substantial differences.

in direct contradiction

Indicates a complete disagreement or incompatibility.

as opposed to

Offers a simpler, more direct way to express contrast.

contrary to

Presents a statement that is the opposite of another.

unlike

A basic way of pointing out differences. It is generally less formal.

FAQs

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

You can use "in steep contrast" to highlight a significant difference between two things. For example: "The success of the program was "in steep contrast" to its initial projections."

What phrases are similar to "in steep contrast"?

Similar phrases include "in sharp contrast", "in stark contrast", or "in marked contrast". They all emphasize a notable difference.

Is it better to use "in steep contrast" or "in sharp contrast"?

Both phrases are correct, but "in steep contrast" implies a more dramatic or pronounced difference than "in sharp contrast". The best choice depends on the degree of difference you want to convey.

What does "in steep contrast" imply about the things being compared?

"In steep contrast" implies that the things being compared have differences that are not just noticeable, but significantly divergent or opposite in nature.