Meaning & use
in contrast
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Used to introduce something that is clearly different from what was just said.
Grammar: Usually opens a sentence and is followed by a comma: In contrast, the north stays dry.
Patterns
- in contrast, ...
- in contrast to something
The south gets heavy rain. In contrast, the north stays dry all year.
My sister loves crowds. In contrast, I prefer quiet places.
In contrast, last year's profits were very low.
phrasefixed phrase
Compared with something else, which shows a clear difference.
Grammar: Followed by to: in contrast to the old design.
Patterns
- in contrast to something
- in contrast with something
In contrast to his brother, he is extremely shy.
The new office feels bright in contrast with the dark old one.
In contrast to last winter, this one has been mild.
Common combinations
- in stark contrast
- His calm voice was in stark contrast to the noise outside.
- in sharp contrast
- The result stands in sharp contrast to earlier studies.
- in contrast to
- In contrast to most cities, this one has little traffic.
- in contrast with
- The two styles are very different in contrast with each other.
- by way of contrast
- By way of contrast, the second school has small classes.
Synonyms and how they differ
- by contrast
- By contrast means almost the same, but it is slightly more common when comparing two whole sentences.
- on the other hand
- On the other hand gives a second side of an argument, whereas in contrast stresses a sharp difference.
- whereas
- Whereas joins two clauses inside one sentence, while in contrast starts a new sentence.
- however
- However only signals that something unexpected follows, but in contrast says the two things are directly opposed.
Opposites
Word family
- contrast noun
- a clear difference between two things
- contrast verb
- to compare in order to show differences
- contrasting adjective
- clearly different from something else
- contrastive adjective
- showing or relating to differences
Commonly confused: in contrast or in comparison?
in contrast vs in comparison
In comparison can show either similarities or differences, while in contrast always points to a clear difference.
Practice
The first group finished early. ___, the second group needed extra time.
Choose one answer.
The two groups behaved differently, so in contrast fits. Likewise signals similarity, for instance gives an example, and as a result gives a consequence.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “in contrast”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.