obvious contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious contrast" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two or more things are being compared and one is much higher or lower than the other. For example, "The obvious contrast between the old building and the modern office tower was striking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most obvious contrast is with her predecessor Lowe and his fannish manner.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The obvious contrast is with Egypt, the most populous of Arab countries.

The Guardian

And any additions needed to look modern, in obvious contrast to the old.

The New York Times

In this, the obvious contrast is with the only work of fantasy to compare in terms of ambition and achievement to Martin's own: The Lord of the Rings.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He drew an obvious contrast with his better-financed rival Mitt Romney, who battered Mr. Huckabee with critical commercials and mail.

The New York Times

He said he believed that voters had responded to what he described as his relentlessly cheerful message, drawing an unstated but obvious contrast with Dr. Dean.

The New York Times

The implied idealism of Scott and Adrianna's burgeoning romance makes a painful if overly obvious contrast to the wretched adult relationships.

The New York Times

Its focus on "countries" stood in obvious contrast to Trump's campaign promise of a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States".

The New Yorker

These attempts at philanthropy invite a pretty obvious contrast to a fine actor who did manage to be a fine citizen: Paul Newman.

The New York Times - Books

The most obvious contrast with the first four mayoral battles is the absence of a big personality candidate among the favourites.

The Guardian

Michaelson, whose slim figure presents an obvious contrast to Syrnikov's, paused and added, "If you need proof, look at Maksim, and look at me".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obvious contrast" to introduce a point that is easily understood or readily apparent. This can help guide your audience and emphasize the significance of the comparison.

Common error

Don't overestimate your reader's prior knowledge. What seems like an "obvious contrast" to you might not be so clear to others. Always provide enough context to make the contrast truly obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious contrast" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It introduces a comparison where the difference between two elements is readily apparent. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obvious contrast" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that highlights a readily apparent difference between two or more entities. As verified by Ludwig AI, it functions to draw immediate attention to a clear distinction. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, scientific publications, and everyday conversation. While "obvious contrast" is widely accepted, writers should ensure the contrast is genuinely clear to their audience. Alternative expressions such as "clear difference" or "stark contrast" can be used to vary expression and convey slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stark contrast

Emphasizes a harsh or severe difference, adding emotional weight to the comparison.

clear difference

Replaces "contrast" with "difference", focusing on the state of being not alike. It's less formal.

marked distinction

Emphasizes that the difference is easily noticeable or significant, increasing the formality.

palpable difference

The difference is easily perceived, almost tangible. Conveys that the contrast is strongly felt or easily recognized.

noticeable disparity

Highlights an inequality or difference that's easily seen; useful when one element is considerably different than the other.

pronounced variation

Suggests a clear and distinct change between the elements being compared, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

evident divergence

Indicates a clear separation or moving apart, suitable for describing differing trends or opinions.

manifest dissimilarity

Uses more formal language to stress that the lack of similarity is plain and undeniable.

distinctive comparison

Highlights the unique or notable aspects of the comparison, suggesting the differences are what make it interesting.

patent contradiction

Used when the elements are directly opposite or logically inconsistent, emphasizing the incompatibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious contrast" to highlight differences between two subjects. For example, "The obvious contrast between the team's performance at home and away is concerning."

What are some alternatives to "obvious contrast"?

Some alternatives include "clear difference", "stark contrast", or "noticeable disparity", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the dissimilarity.

Is it redundant to say "obvious contrast"?

While "contrast" inherently implies a difference that can be observed, using "obvious" emphasizes the ease with which the difference can be perceived. It's not strictly redundant if you want to stress that the contrast is easily noticeable.

What is the difference between "obvious contrast" and "subtle contrast"?

"Obvious contrast" indicates a clear and easily perceived difference, while "subtle contrast" suggests a difference that is not immediately apparent and requires closer examination.