stark juxtaposition

USAGE SUMMARY

"stark juxtaposition" can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe two contrasting or conflicting things next to each other. For example: "The stark juxtaposition of the luxurious palace and the nearby slum was astonishing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It's a stark juxtaposition: screening is good for women and bad for men.

The New York Times

This all is in stark juxtaposition to the EU's formally stated policy aim of gender equality.

The Guardian - Opinion

In particular, Proenza's success, helped along by easy-to-wear young clothes, provided a stark juxtaposition to Mr. Posen's stumbles.

The New York Times

It's that stark juxtaposition that struck Eleanor Simon '11 when she first visited the Mississippi Delta this past winter term.

Harvard University

It reflected a stark juxtaposition for the Red Wings, a team going through a reloading process while trying to challenge for the Cup.

The New York Times - Sports

The physical impacts of mining on the landscape are readily apparent from the stark juxtaposition of cleared, almost desert-like mining areas, surrounded by lush rainforest.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

There are, beyond advertising, several other stark juxtapositions between T and the Times Magazine.

The Guardian - Opinion

The early stages of gentrification have created some stark juxtapositions here.

The Guardian

Within Portugal, the speed of development has created stark juxtapositions of old and new, rich and poor.

The Economist

Also alluded to are Michelangelo Antonioni's "Avventura," with its stark juxtapositions of ancient and modern images, and Alain Resnais's elegant, memory-obsessed mind bender, "Last Year at Marienbad".

The New York Times

Participants designed neighborhood tours and through their analysis of the photographs and maps created on those tours, reflected primarily on the stark juxtapositions between lower-income areas of the community and an influx of new construction and neighborhood changes.

Children and Youth Services Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stark juxtaposition" to highlight a significant and often unexpected contrast between two elements, especially when the contrast reveals something important about their relationship or the broader context.

Common error

Avoid using "stark juxtaposition" when the contrast is expected or minor. It's best reserved for situations where the difference is genuinely surprising or impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stark juxtaposition" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the act or instance of placing two things side by side to create a strong contrast. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe a significant difference.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stark juxtaposition" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant and often unexpected contrast between two things. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status and provides numerous examples of its use in reputable sources. It's most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and scientific contexts, as we also derived from Ludwig's examples. While "stark juxtaposition" is a formal phrase, it is most impactful when highlighting surprising and significant contrasts, avoid it for minor or expected differences. The related phrases like "sharp contrast", "marked difference", or "striking contrast" can be considered as alternatives depending on the particular emphasis that you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp contrast

Focuses on the intensity of the difference rather than the placement side-by-side.

striking contrast

Highlights the surprising or impressive nature of the difference.

marked difference

Highlights a noticeable distinction between two elements.

clear contrast

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the difference.

pronounced difference

Emphasizes the obvious and easily discernible nature of the difference.

obvious dissimilarity

Focuses on the lack of likeness between two things.

blatant contradiction

Emphasizes direct opposition rather than mere difference.

strong opposition

Indicates a forceful resistance or contrast.

polar opposites

Highlights that two things are as different as possible.

diametrically opposed

Indicates that two things are in complete and direct disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "stark juxtaposition" in a sentence?

Use "stark juxtaposition" to describe a strong contrast between two things that are placed or seen together. For example, "The "stark juxtaposition" of wealth and poverty in the city was unsettling."

What are some alternatives to saying "stark juxtaposition"?

You can use phrases like "sharp contrast", "marked difference", or "striking contrast" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "stark juxtaposition" in formal writing?

Yes, "stark juxtaposition" is appropriate for formal writing. It is often found in news articles, academic papers, and other professional contexts.

What's the difference between "stark juxtaposition" and "irony"?

"Stark juxtaposition" highlights a strong contrast between two things, while irony involves a contradiction between what is said or expected and what actually happens. They are related but not interchangeable.