By contrast
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use `by contrast` to highlight a striking difference between two distinct ideas in professional or academic settings.
En 15 secondes
- Highlights a sharp difference between two subjects or ideas.
- Best used in academic, professional, or very serious contexts.
- Usually starts a sentence and is followed by a comma.
Signification
Use this when you want to point out a big difference between two things. It is like putting two photos side-by-side to show how they are not alike.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Comparing two cities
London is known for its history. By contrast, Dubai is famous for its modern architecture.
London is known for its history. By contrast, Dubai is famous for its modern architecture.
In a business meeting
Our domestic sales are thriving. By contrast, our international exports have dropped significantly.
Our domestic sales are thriving. By contrast, our international exports have dropped significantly.
Texting a friend about habits
You are always so organized. By contrast, I can never find my keys!
You are always so organized. By contrast, I can never find my keys!
Contexte culturel
The phrase has roots in Latin rhetoric, specifically the word 'contrastare' which means 'to stand against.' It became popular in English during the Enlightenment when scientific and logical writing became the standard for scholars. Today, it remains a staple of academic English, signaling that the speaker is engaging in high-level critical thinking.
The Comma is Key
Always put a comma after `By contrast` when it starts a sentence. It gives the reader a tiny 'breath' to prepare for the difference.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every paragraph, you will sound like a robot. Mix it up with `However` or `Yet` to keep your writing natural.
En 15 secondes
- Highlights a sharp difference between two subjects or ideas.
- Best used in academic, professional, or very serious contexts.
- Usually starts a sentence and is followed by a comma.
What It Means
Imagine you are holding an apple and an orange. You want to explain why they are different. By contrast is the verbal tool you use to do this. It acts like a spotlight. It shines on the second thing to show how it differs from the first. It is not just about a small change. It is about a clear, noticeable distinction. Think of it as a logical pivot in your conversation. It helps your listener follow your train of thought easily.
How To Use It
You usually find this phrase at the start of a sentence. Always follow it with a comma. It is like a signpost for your listener. It tells them, "Hey, I am about to say something different now!" You can also place it after a semicolon. This connects two closely related but different ideas. For example: "The sun is hot; by contrast, the moon is cold." It sounds very professional and polished. It makes your argument look very organized.
When To Use It
This phrase is a superstar in formal writing. Use it in your university essays or business reports. It is perfect for comparing two different marketing strategies. It also works well in serious debates or news reporting. If you want to sound like an expert, this is your phrase. It shows you are organized and analytical. Use it when the difference you are describing is significant. It adds weight to your comparisons.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use by contrast when you are just chatting with friends. If you are at a bar, it might sound a bit stiff. Do not say, "This beer is cold. By contrast, my chips are hot." Your friends might think you are reading from a textbook! Also, avoid it if the difference is very small. It is meant for big, clear comparisons. Using it for tiny details makes you sound overly dramatic. Keep it for intellectual or professional settings.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a long history of formal logic. In English-speaking cultures, clear and direct comparison is highly valued. We like to see things side-by-side to make decisions. It is part of a "compare and contrast" tradition in schools. It reflects a mindset that values precision and structured thinking. It is a very Western way of organizing a persuasive argument. It signals that you are being objective and fair.
Common Variations
You might hear people say in contrast instead. They are basically twins and can be used interchangeably. If you want to sound even fancier, try conversely. For a more casual vibe, you can use on the other hand. If you are texting a friend, just use but. Each variation has its own flavor for different situations. Pick the one that fits your audience best. It shows you have a great vocabulary.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-level (C1) discourse marker. It is primarily used in formal registers like academic writing, journalism, and business presentations. Avoid using it in very casual settings to prevent sounding overly formal.
The Comma is Key
Always put a comma after `By contrast` when it starts a sentence. It gives the reader a tiny 'breath' to prepare for the difference.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every paragraph, you will sound like a robot. Mix it up with `However` or `Yet` to keep your writing natural.
The 'Polite' Disagreement
In British culture, using `By contrast` is a polite way to disagree with someone's point without being aggressive. It focuses on the facts rather than the person.
Exemples
6London is known for its history. By contrast, Dubai is famous for its modern architecture.
London is known for its history. By contrast, Dubai is famous for its modern architecture.
Used to show a clear visual and historical difference between two locations.
Our domestic sales are thriving. By contrast, our international exports have dropped significantly.
Our domestic sales are thriving. By contrast, our international exports have dropped significantly.
Professional way to present data that shows opposing trends.
You are always so organized. By contrast, I can never find my keys!
You are always so organized. By contrast, I can never find my keys!
A slightly more formal phrase used here for humorous effect to emphasize personal chaos.
His father was very loud and outgoing. By contrast, he is quite shy and reserved.
His father was very loud and outgoing. By contrast, he is quite shy and reserved.
Used to describe a deep emotional or personality difference within a family.
The morning was incredibly sunny. By contrast, the afternoon brought heavy thunderstorms.
The morning was incredibly sunny. By contrast, the afternoon brought heavy thunderstorms.
Common way to describe a sudden change in conditions.
The first theory focuses on biology. By contrast, the second theory emphasizes social environment.
The first theory focuses on biology. By contrast, the second theory emphasizes social environment.
Standard academic usage to distinguish between two schools of thought.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the comparison.
The winter in Spain is quite mild. ___, the winter in Canada is extremely harsh.
We are comparing two very different climates, so `By contrast` is the logical choice.
Select the best punctuation to follow the phrase.
The movie was very long; by contrast___ the book was a very quick read.
After a discourse marker like `by contrast` at the start of a clause, a comma is required.
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Aides visuelles
Formality Levels of Comparison Phrases
Used with friends and family.
But...
Good for everyday talk.
On the other hand...
Professional and academic.
By contrast...
Legal or high-level academic.
Conversely...
Where to use 'By Contrast'
University Essay
Comparing two historical figures.
Business Report
Comparing this year's profit to last year's.
News Article
Contrasting two different political views.
Serious Debate
Showing the difference between two solutions.
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is a phrase used to introduce a statement that is very different from the one you just made. For example, The cat is lazy. By contrast, the dog is active.
They are similar, but By contrast specifically requires two things to be compared. However can be used for any kind of contradiction.
Yes, it is perfect for professional emails. It shows you are making a clear, logical comparison between options or results.
Usually, yes. Use but or though in texts unless you are trying to be funny or extra dramatic with your friends.
It almost always goes at the very beginning of the sentence. You can also use it after a semicolon in the middle of a long sentence.
There is almost no difference! In contrast is sometimes followed by to (e.g., In contrast to the sun...), while By contrast usually stands alone.
Absolutely. It is a great way to start a new paragraph if that paragraph is going to discuss a different side of an issue.
Not exactly slang, but On the flip side is the casual, 'cool' version people use in conversation.
Yes, it is used frequently in both American and British English, especially in news, business, and education.
Forgetting the comma! People often write By contrast he was tall, but it should be By contrast, he was tall.
It is best for comparing two things. If you have three or more, it is better to use words like Similarly or Additionally for the others.
It can occasionally appear at the end of a sentence, like The moon is cold, by contrast. but this is much less common.
Expressions liées
Conversely
Used to introduce an idea that is the exact opposite of the previous one.
On the contrary
Used to intensify a denial or to show that the opposite of what was said is true.
In comparison
A more general way to look at the similarities or differences between things.
Alternatively
Used to suggest another possibility or option.
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