the stark difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the stark difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a clear and noticeable contrast between two or more things. Example: "There is a stark difference between the two proposals, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Moonlighting of proteins in diverse complexes or processes could also explain the stark difference in phenotypes that were observed for different mutants of PRC1 subunits.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The stark difference in conditions was due to the camps being different sizes, he said.

BBC

Interestingly, the stark difference in hazard rates between the two unobserved groups suggests that overeducation follows different mechanisms in each case.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

The stark difference in the government's reactions has infuriated many Muslims here.

The New York Times

Ciaran Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said the stark difference was alarming.

The Guardian

The stark difference of luxury on the background of poverty enhances its beauty".

The New York Times

The striking image showed the stark difference between the Knicks and the Washington Wizards.

The New York Times - Sports

The stark difference between the two companies' approaches to privacy is evident with product introductions.

The New York Times

"We have particularly witnessed the stark difference in tone and approach in countering violent extremism," she said.

The Guardian

("Return to New York and suddenly feel the stark difference between rich and poor," one entry begins, in 1987).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, that said, a quick tour around bustling cities like Mumbai or Delhi will highlight the stark differences between different socioeconomic groups living just meters from each other.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the stark difference" to highlight significant inequalities or turning points within a narrative, adding emphasis to the divide.

Common error

Avoid using "the stark difference" in situations where the contrast is minimal or self-evident. The phrase carries significant weight and is best reserved for emphasizing truly striking dissimilarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the stark difference" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a comparison and emphasizes a notable dissimilarity. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the stark difference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to emphasize a notable dissimilarity. As Ludwig confirms, its versatility is evident from its presence in diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. The phrase serves the communicative purpose of highlighting significant contrasts, aiming to draw attention to their implications. While generally neutral to formal, "the stark difference" is best reserved for situations where the contrast is truly striking, ensuring its powerful impact is not diluted by overuse in bland contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the significant difference

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the dissimilarity.

the sharp contrast

Highlights the abruptness and distinctness of the difference.

the marked distinction

Stresses the clear and noticeable separation between the items being compared.

the obvious disparity

Focuses on the inequality or imbalance that the difference reveals.

the clear divergence

Highlights a deviation or departure from a common point.

the notable variation

Indicates a difference that is worth paying attention to.

the extreme dissimilarity

Emphasizes the high degree of unlikeness.

the fundamental opposition

Highlights conflicting nature.

the great divide

Focuses on the separation created by the difference, often in a social or ideological context.

the polar opposite

Suggests the items being compared are at opposite ends of a spectrum.

FAQs

How can I use "the stark difference" in a sentence?

Use "the stark difference" to emphasize a clear and noticeable contrast between two or more things. For example: "There is "a stark difference" between the two proposals, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach".

What can I say instead of "the stark difference"?

You can use alternatives such as "the significant difference", "the sharp contrast", or "the marked distinction" to express a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "the stark difference" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize a clear, noticeable, and often surprising contrast. It's best used when the difference is significant enough to warrant strong emphasis.

What is the difference between "the stark difference" and "the slight difference"?

"The stark difference" highlights a significant and obvious dissimilarity, while "the slight difference" refers to a minor or subtle distinction. The choice depends on the magnitude of the contrast you wish to convey.