marked contrast to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marked contrast to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a significant difference between two subjects or ideas. Example: "The new policy is in marked contrast to the previous regulations, which were much more lenient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was all in marked contrast to the group's impeccable British shows of three years ago.

The Guardian - Music

Its own mobile apps are clunky, in marked contrast to Instagram's slick interface.

The Economist

These results suggest that benzodiazepine sensitivity evolved early, in marked contrast to previous proposals [39], [40].

Plosone

Indeed, in marked contrast to results obtained with CD40-stimulated MDM, anti-T.

Plosone

July's weather was in marked contrast to June.

The Guardian

This is in marked contrast to where I live.

The New York Times - Style

That was a marked contrast to his opponents tonight.

The New York Times - Sports

The bronze sculptures are a marked contrast to the paintings.

The New York Times

A marked contrast to the failed Westminster approach.

The Guardian

His approach is in marked contrast to his Tory predecessors.

The Telegraph

This is in marked contrast to some other schools.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marked contrast to" to clearly highlight a significant difference between two elements, ensuring the distinction is noticeable and relevant to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "marked contrast to" repetitively within a single piece of writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms such as "stark difference" or "clear distinction" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marked contrast to" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to introduce a comparison that highlights a notable difference between two subjects. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in emphasizing distinctions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "marked contrast to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize significant differences. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While interchangeable with alternatives like "stark contrast to" and "sharp contrast to", it's essential to avoid overuse and maintain varied language for engaging prose. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, "marked contrast to" serves to clearly distinguish between subjects, providing valuable emphasis to the writer's argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stark contrast to

Emphasizes a more severe or striking difference.

sharp contrast to

Highlights a clear and easily noticeable difference.

clear contrast to

Indicates an unambiguous difference.

notable contrast to

Suggests the difference is significant and worth noting.

distinct contrast to

Highlights a clear and easily distinguishable difference.

evident contrast to

Indicates that the difference is easily seen or understood.

palpable contrast to

Suggests the difference is so strong it can almost be felt.

decided contrast to

Implies a definite and unmistakable difference.

striking divergence from

Uses 'divergence' to emphasize a departure from a previous state or standard.

significant departure from

Focuses on the act of moving away from something.

FAQs

How can I use "marked contrast to" in a sentence?

Use "marked contrast to" to emphasize a significant difference between two things. For instance: "The current economic policy is in "marked contrast to" the previous administration's approach."

What are some alternatives to "marked contrast to"?

You can use alternatives like "stark contrast to", "sharp contrast to", or "clear contrast to" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "in marked contrast with" instead of "marked contrast to"?

While "marked contrast to" is the more common and preferred phrasing, "in marked contrast with" might be acceptable in some contexts, but it's less idiomatic. It's better to stick with "marked contrast to" for clarity and standard usage.

What's the difference between "marked contrast to" and "slight contrast to"?

"Marked contrast to" emphasizes a significant and noticeable difference, while "slight contrast to" indicates a minor or subtle difference. Choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the degree of difference you're describing.