linking phrase · academic
by contrast
UK/baɪ ˈkɒntrɑːst/US/baɪ ˈkɑːntræst/by CON·trast
used to compare two things and highlight their differences; often placed at the start of a clause
Examples
“Rural areas saw population decline. By contrast, cities continued to grow.”
“The north had mild winters. By contrast, the south experienced heavy snowfall.”
“Small businesses struggled. By contrast, large corporations reported profits.”
Band 8 sentence
“Northern regions reported stagnant growth; by contrast, the southern provinces experienced robust economic expansion.”
Collocations
- By contrast, + clause
- X. By contrast, Y.
Common mistakes
By contrast the two studies are similar.→By contrast, the two studies differ.
The weather was cold by contrast.→By contrast, the weather was cold.
Say it for a higher band
5but→6in comparison→7+by contrast
Synonyms
in comparison
Easily confused
in comparison
“In comparison with last year, sales have increased.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Contrast
Learn it with its set