sharp contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp contrast" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two things that are very different from each other. For example, "There is a sharp contrast between the two candidates’ policies on education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MELBOURNE — It was a sharp contrast.

The New York Times - Sports

They soon presented a sharp contrast.

The New York Times - Sports

The reaction from power generating companies struck a sharp contrast.

The New York Times

It's a sharp contrast to the previous government, he said.

The Guardian

His patience stood in sharp contrast to Nathan's disparagement.

The New Yorker

In sharp contrast, the dead man's mother is almost silent.

The Guardian

But that's in sharp contrast to what's available on television".

The New York Times - Arts

Europe's difficulties are in sharp contrast to the American response.

The New York Times

In sharp contrast black respondents acknowledged a global African affinity.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's a sharp contrast with the strategy of obstruction.

The New York Times

The teams' styles on the field offer a sharp contrast.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp contrast" when you want to highlight a significant and easily noticeable difference between two or more things. Ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp contrast" when the difference between two things is subtle or minimal. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the distinction is obvious and significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp contrast" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a significant difference between two or more things. It is commonly used to emphasize the degree of dissimilarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp contrast" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to emphasize significant differences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the differences you are highlighting are substantial and easily discernible. Alternatives like ""stark difference"" or ""marked divergence"" can be used to add nuance. However, be mindful of overusing it in subtle distinctions. The phrase’s prevalence in reputable sources underscores its reliability and effectiveness in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stark difference

Emphasizes the clear and obvious nature of the difference.

marked divergence

Highlights a significant deviation or departure from a norm or expectation.

distinct opposition

Focuses on the direct conflict or contradiction between two things.

pronounced disparity

Underscores an inequality or imbalance that is easily noticeable.

glaring contradiction

Implies a blatant and undeniable inconsistency.

radical dissimilarity

Indicates a fundamental lack of resemblance or commonality.

clear-cut distinction

Highlights the precise and unambiguous nature of the difference.

polar opposition

Suggests that two things are at opposite ends of a spectrum.

utter incongruity

Emphasizes the complete lack of harmony or compatibility.

diametrical opposition

Suggests a complete and direct opposition, like opposite ends of a diameter.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sharp contrast" in a sentence?

To effectively use "sharp contrast", ensure that the elements being compared are clearly defined and that their differences are significant and easily noticeable. For example, "There is a "stark difference" between his early and later works".

What phrases can I use instead of "sharp contrast"?

Alternatives to "sharp contrast" include "stark difference", "marked divergence", or "distinct opposition", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "sharp contrast" and "strong contrast"?

While both phrases indicate a notable difference, "sharp contrast" suggests a more defined and easily perceptible distinction, whereas "strong contrast" simply implies a high degree of difference. A "sharp contrast" is more visually or conceptually distinct.

When is it inappropriate to use "sharp contrast"?

It's inappropriate to use "sharp contrast" when the differences being described are minor, subtle, or insignificant. In such cases, using phrases like "slight difference" or "minor variation" would be more accurate.