Emerge

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "emerge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a verb, to mean to come out into view, to appear, or to become known. It can also be used to mean to go out of a confined or enclosed space. For example: "The sun emerged from behind the clouds, bringing warmth to the cold morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That centre ground had enabled Germany to emerge pre-eminent in Europe, according to some.

The Guardian

And now the first pictures have begun to emerge taken with Google Glass and then apparently posted automatically to Twitter with the hashtag #throughglass.

The Guardian - Tech

The third goal arrived 10 minutes into the second half, when Markovic turned the ball home after Myhill, who was just about the only Wales player to emerge with any credit, had denied Dusan Tadic.

The Guardian - Sport

Because if the Tories emerge as the largest single party, they and their cheerleaders will claim at least a partial victory no matter how distant they are from a Commons majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, details have begun to emerge of Broomhilda's abhorrently miserable existence.

The Guardian - Film

If left unprotected, they often survive, but emerge late and fail to flower properly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'd like to sound the less resonant call for a document that allows for dialogue, reflecting concerns as they emerge.

The Guardian

The biggest story to emerge about X Factor in 2011 seems to be the story of X Factor itself, and its apparently irreversible slide into oblivion.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Confessed criminality, allegations of lechery and charges of cover-up formed the backdrop to the Liberal Democrat campaign in Eastleigh, and so to emerge ahead was quite something.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this did not mean that she would not emerge from the margins if the situation demanded it.

The Guardian - Arts

"If following the election doubts emerge about the new government and society's will to implement the programme, the current favourable prospects will reverse," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "emerge" to describe a gradual process of becoming visible or known, rather than a sudden appearance. For instance, "new details emerged during the investigation" suggests a slow unfolding of information.

Common error

Avoid using "emerge" to describe actions that are instantaneous or lack a sense of gradual development. Instead of saying "The winner emerged immediately," consider "The winner was announced immediately" or "The winner was immediately apparent".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "emerge" is as an intransitive verb. It signifies a process of coming into view or becoming known, often implying a gradual development. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, reflecting this dynamic nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emerge" is a versatile verb signifying the act of coming into view, becoming known, or coming out of a situation. It is grammatically correct and very commonly used, according to Ludwig, appearing frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts. While it is most suited for describing gradual appearances, it should not be misused for instantaneous actions. Ludwig AI confirms that "emerge" follows standard grammatical rules, and its diverse applications are well-supported by examples from authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come into view

Focuses on the act of becoming visible, often after being hidden or obscured.

come to light

Indicates that something previously hidden or secret has been revealed or discovered.

become apparent

Emphasizes the clarity or obviousness of something that was previously unclear.

come forth

A more formal or literary way of saying "emerge", suggesting a deliberate or significant appearance.

make an appearance

Highlights the act of showing up or being present, often at an event or in a specific context.

see the light of day

Implies something is finally being made public or available after a long period of development or secrecy.

spring up

Suggests a rapid or sudden appearance, often unexpectedly.

materialize

Focuses on the act of becoming real or concrete, often from an abstract or theoretical state.

crop up

Suggests that something appears unexpectedly or incidentally, often posing a problem or requiring attention.

break through

Implies overcoming an obstacle or barrier to become visible or successful.

FAQs

How can I use "emerge" in a sentence?

The word "emerge" is a verb that means to come into view, to appear, or to become known. For example, "The sun "emerged" from behind the clouds" or "New details began to "emerge" during the investigation".

What can I say instead of "emerge"?

You can use alternatives like "come into view", "become apparent", or "make an appearance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "emerge" or "immerse"?

"Emerge" means to come out or appear, while "immerse" means to involve oneself deeply in something or to submerge in a liquid. They have opposite meanings and are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "emerge" and "surface"?

"Emerge" suggests a coming into view or becoming known, while "surface" typically refers to rising to the top of a liquid or other substance. While both involve appearance, "emerge" is broader and can apply to abstract concepts.