a slight emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight emphasis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate a small degree of importance or stress on a particular point or word. Example: "In this presentation, I would like to place a slight emphasis on the importance of teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 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

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

Levels are opened up as the player progresses through the game, with a slight emphasis on linear progression, although MegaMan can move off-path at times.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

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

Develop a slight accent.

WikiHow

Light in broadleaf forests has a yellow-green emphasis, whereas light in conifer forests has a slight bluish emphasis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The New York Times - Food

Fischer also noted that, due to the slight emphasis her breasts were receiving, many fans on the internet were arguing that Fischer had had breast implants.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight emphasis", ensure the context clarifies what aspect is being subtly highlighted. This ensures readers understand the intended focus without exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight emphasis" when the context suggests a major point. Overusing this phrase can undermine the actual significance of key information. Use stronger terms for truly important elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight emphasis" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples showcase it modifying verbs like 'place' or following prepositions like 'with', indicating where a minor degree of importance is being applied. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight emphasis" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a minor degree of importance or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correctness and usability are well-established. While not overwhelmingly common, the phrase appears across various contexts, including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. This suggests it's appropriate for neutral to professional communication. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure the context makes clear which aspect is receiving subtle highlighting to prevent misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small degree of importance

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the minor level of importance.

a minor stress

Replaces "emphasis" with "stress", indicating a less formal tone but maintaining the core meaning.

a subtle highlight

Uses "highlight" instead of "emphasis", suggesting a more delicate or nuanced focus.

a mild focus

Substitutes "emphasis" with "focus", implying a gentle concentration on something.

a gentle inclination

Employs "inclination" to convey a leaning or preference, rather than direct emphasis.

a marginal weighting

Replaces "emphasis" with "weighting", suggesting that a factor is given more weight, but only slightly.

a touch of significance

Uses figurative language to suggest a small but noticeable level of importance.

a shade of prominence

Implies a minimal but existing visibility or importance.

a hint of attention

Suggests a small degree of focus or awareness.

a gentle nudge

Figuratively suggests a small push or encouragement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight emphasis" to indicate that something is given a little more importance or attention. For example, "The report places "a slight emphasis" on preventative measures."

What can I say instead of "a slight emphasis"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor stress", "a subtle highlight", or "a mild focus depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a slight emphasis"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight something without making it seem like the most important aspect. It suggests a gentle focus, more than a full highlight.

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

"A slight emphasis" suggests a small degree of importance, while "a strong emphasis" indicates a significant level of importance. The choice depends on the weight you want to give something in your writing.