Slight emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

"Slight emphasis" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it to indicate that a particular word or phrase should be emphasized, but not too much, in order to add a subtle emphasis to the phrase. For example, you might say "I'm feeling slightly tired" with "slightly" said with slight emphasis.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It adds a slight emphasis to the clause that follows.

The Guardian

WINE LIST International, with a slight emphasis on France, and expensive.

The New York Times - Food

WINE LIST International, with a slight emphasis on lighter whites and reds and no bottles under $50.

The New York Times - Food

Bangalore features dishes from many parts of India, with a slight emphasis on food from South India, home of the chef, Ramesh Masilamani.

The New York Times

This was done, says St John, to "give a very slight emphasis towards the front" and to "make it more lively from the outside".

The Guardian - Arts

Seagram's Extra Dry came in at No. 4. We found it surprisingly complex in the glass, with fruit, herbal and gingery spice notes, yet it didn't stray far from the gin ideal, while Gordon's London Dry adhered to the straight and narrow, with a slight emphasis of spicy cardamom and nutmeg aromas.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We're concerned that despite slight emphases, the Kerry agenda is basically the same as Bush: a foreign policy based on what's best for big American corporations," Kagan said.

The Guardian

The use of language is key, and Jones's department would agonise over the slightest emphasis.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

WINE LIST International, with a slight French emphasis, and impressive in its diversity of styles and prices.

The New York Times - Food

A slight pause for emphasis.

The Guardian - Film

But an entirely different approach emerges with a slight shift in emphasis: how shitty are men really?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight emphasis" when you want to indicate a subtle highlighting or stress on a particular point, ensuring it doesn't overshadow other elements.

Common error

Avoid using "slight emphasis" excessively. Overusing it can diminish its effect and make your writing seem indecisive. Choose stronger phrasing or let the content speak for itself when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight emphasis" functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a minor degree of importance or stress placed on something. It describes the manner in which something is highlighted or focused upon.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight emphasis" is a noun phrase used to describe a subtle highlighting or stress on something. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. With limited examples, the phrase's usage is considered rare across various source categories. It is commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific content. When using "slight emphasis", be sure to convey the subtlety intended, and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mild accentuation

Emphasizes the moderate nature of the stress or focus applied.

subtle highlighting

Suggests a delicate and understated form of bringing attention to something.

gentle stress

Indicates a soft and non-forceful manner of emphasizing.

minor focus

Highlights the aspect of concentration being of small magnitude.

soft intonation

Relates specifically to vocal delivery, implying a gentle modulation.

understated importance

Implies the significance is present but not overtly displayed.

limited weight

Indicates that something has some but not a lot of influence.

moderate priority

Suggests a middle-ground importance, more than low but less than high.

minimal attention

Highlights that only a small amount of focus is given.

passing reference

Indicates a brief and not particularly detailed mention.

FAQs

How can I use "slight emphasis" in a sentence?

You can use "slight emphasis" to indicate a subtle highlighting of a particular aspect, for example, "The design incorporates a "slight emphasis" on user-friendliness".

What are some alternatives to "slight emphasis"?

Alternatives include "mild accentuation", "subtle highlighting", or "gentle stress", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "slight emphasize" instead of "slight emphasis"?

No, "slight emphasize" is grammatically incorrect. "Emphasis" is a noun, while "emphasize" is a verb. The correct phrase is "slight emphasis", using the noun form.

What's the difference between "slight emphasis" and "strong emphasis"?

"Slight emphasis" indicates a subtle highlighting, whereas "strong emphasis" implies a significant and noticeable highlighting. The choice depends on the degree of importance you want to convey.