sharp contrast between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sharp contrast between' is an appropriate and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the differences between two objects or ideas. For example, "The sharp contrast between the drab industrial town and the lush, green countryside was striking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some analysts suggest the sharp contrast between these two personalities could be a problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sharp contrast between the two sides of my family was most apparent in that moment.

The Guardian

Again, a sharp contrast between what goes on aboveground and what's depicted below.

The Washington Post

Does the sharp contrast between one phrase and the next demonstrate stylistic skill or expressive incoherence?

The New York Times - Arts

There is a sharp contrast between what Exxon knew and what Exxon did.

The Guardian

But his rhetoric was richly flavored, and emphasized a sharp contrast between bonobos and chimpanzees.

The New Yorker

He also drew a sharp contrast between the mobbed scenes of triumph in his 1997 victory and today's humble acceptance.

The Guardian

That fight has laid bare a sharp contrast between which types of protests Trump is willing to condemn.

The Washington Post

Throughout the war in Kosovo last year, there was a sharp contrast between the behavior of Montenegro and Serbia.

The New York Times

"There is a sharp contrast between the wealthy north and the slums and shanty towns of the underdeveloped south.

The Guardian

We discuss a sharp contrast between the cases of compact and unbounded spectra.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp contrast between" to highlight significant and easily noticeable differences. This phrase is especially effective when emphasizing opposing viewpoints or starkly different situations.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp contrast between" when describing minor or insignificant differences. Opt for phrases like "slight difference" or "subtle variation" instead to maintain accuracy and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp contrast between" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, adjective, or verb. It serves to introduce and emphasize a notable difference or opposition, as demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp contrast between" is a versatile and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize significant differences between two or more entities. It is deemed grammatically correct and is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. While alternatives like "marked difference between" or "clear distinction between" exist, the core function remains highlighting notable disparities. Using "sharp contrast between" effectively involves employing it when the distinction is indeed significant and avoiding overuse in cases of minor differences. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marked difference between

Emphasizes the noticeable nature of the difference.

clear distinction between

Highlights the clarity and unambiguity of the difference.

noticeable disparity between

Focuses on the inequality or disproportion between the items being compared.

distinct divergence between

Emphasizes the act of moving apart or differing in opinion.

evident opposition between

Highlights the conflicting nature or contradictory aspects.

striking dissimilarity between

Emphasizes the unusual and noticeable lack of similarity.

obvious contradiction between

Highlights the direct opposition and inconsistency between the items.

palpable tension between

Focuses on the easily felt stress resulting from the contrast.

strong dichotomy between

Highlights a division into two sharply defined categories.

radical opposition between

Emphasizes fundamental and extreme disagreement.

FAQs

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

Use "sharp contrast between" to emphasize a significant difference between two or more things. For example: "There's a "sharp contrast between" the city and the countryside."

What are some alternatives to "sharp contrast between"?

Alternatives include: "marked difference between", "clear distinction between", or "noticeable disparity between". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your context.

Is it always necessary to use "between" after "sharp contrast"?

Yes, the preposition "between" is essential when you're comparing two or more things. Omitting it makes the phrase grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "sharp contrast between" and "significant difference between"?

"Sharp contrast between" emphasizes a more striking and easily observable difference, while "significant difference between" simply highlights that the difference is important or noteworthy.