Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
stark competition
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "stark competition" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an intense or severe degree of rivalries or opposition. For example, "The two companies faced stark competition in their attempts to capture the largest share of the market."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(16)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Playing a first-person shooter on a public server is about stark competition, there's very little conversation beyond shouted taunts and put-downs.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
The new tensions among China, Vietnam and India illustrate in stark terms the competition in the South China Sea for what are believed to be sizable deposits of oil and gas.
News & Media
In the episode, Robb's pregnant wife, Talisa, was also murdered, thus eliminating the Stark clan from competition for the Iron Throne (at least for now).
News & Media
From 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., the programming choices were unusually stark, with NBC and ABC offering competition shows on the opposite end of the appeal chart (one all male, one all female).
News & Media
Michael Arad, the designer of the memorial, envisioned an even clearer and starker space in his competition entry last year, which defied Mr. Libeskind's master plan by eliminating the cultural buildings -- and even trees -- from the block.
News & Media
Sundance may be sticking close to its brand when it comes to features, but the documentary competition reveals a stark shift.
News & Media
And his call for expanding coverage through market-based competition is in stark contrast to the Democrats' proposals to move toward universal health care coverage, with government subsidies to help lower-income people afford their premiums.
News & Media
In stark contrast, we observe no competition using the H3K18ac or H3K27ac peptides (new Figure 1 figure supplement 2F).
Science
There are fears that competition could get starker if Scots vote yes.
News & Media
Apple also touted differential privacy as a stark differentiator between them and the competition.
News & Media
In our conversation, he could boil everything down to stark baseball analogies, from the fierce competition in the media business, to the dysfunctional way Brett Kavanaugh made it to the Supreme Court despite serious allegations of sexual assault.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "stark competition" when you want to emphasize a clear and often unwelcome contrast in competitive abilities or market dynamics. For example, "The new startup faced "stark competition" from established industry giants."
Common error
Avoid using "stark competition" in overly casual or informal settings. The phrase carries a level of formality and seriousness, making it less appropriate for lighthearted or personal contexts.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "stark competition" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "stark" modifies the noun "competition", emphasizing its intensity or severity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
25%
Formal & Business
25%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "stark competition" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe competitive scenarios marked by significant contrasts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare, it is most frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal business contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve "stark competition" for situations where you want to emphasize the severity and often unwelcome nature of the competition. If you require a more informal tone, consider using alternatives like "intense competition" or "fierce rivalry".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
intense competition
Replaces "stark" with a more common synonym for emphasis.
stiff competition
Replaces "stark" with a more common synonym for describing strong opposition.
severe competition
Substitutes "stark" with a word that highlights the harshness of the competitive environment.
extreme competition
Emphasizes that the degree of competition is at its highest.
fierce rivalry
Changes the adjective to emphasize the intensity of the competition.
acute competition
Uses a different adjective to convey the sharpness and intensity of the competition.
keen competition
Uses a different adjective to describe the sharp and focused nature of the competition.
vigorous competition
Highlights the active and energetic nature of the competitive environment.
cutthroat competition
Emphasizes the ruthless nature of the competition.
brutal competition
Changes the adjective to emphasize a harsh and unforgiving competitive environment.
FAQs
How can I use "stark competition" in a sentence?
You can use "stark competition" to describe situations where the contrast between competitors is significant and often challenging. For instance, "The local business faced "stark competition" from multinational corporations."
What is an alternative to "stark competition"?
Alternatives include "intense competition", "fierce rivalry", or "stiff competition", depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Is "stark competition" appropriate for formal writing?
Yes, "stark competition" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business, economics, and news reports where the intensity and contrast of competition are being emphasized.
What does "stark" emphasize in the phrase "stark competition"?
The word "stark" emphasizes the severity and often unwelcome nature of the competition, highlighting a clear and perhaps disadvantageous contrast between competitors. It brings a degree of gravity or intensity compared to simply saying "competition".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested