cast a spotlight

USAGE SUMMARY

"cast a spotlight" is a perfectly correct phrase, which can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe the act of bringing attention to an individual or group, or just to describe the act of shining a light onto a subject or area. For example: The new report cast a spotlight onto the company's human resource management issues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They cast a spotlight on every table.

The New York Times

His visit cast a spotlight on the virgin.

The New York Times

The ceremony cast a spotlight on John Jay's new building.

The New York Times

The event cast a spotlight on the normally private lives of the couple.

Independent

It has also cast a spotlight on similar measures in other cities.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney's candidacy has helped cast a spotlight on an often-opaque industry.

The New York Times

Joe Biden cast a spotlight on the 2017 tragedy in Virginia.

The Washington Post

The killings cast a spotlight on the drastically different lives of Jutting and the two women.

The Guardian

The case has cast a spotlight on the generous perks given top executives.

The New York Times

The outbreak cast a spotlight on the small but vocal anti-vaccine movement.

The Guardian

The June 2009 accident captured headlines, and cast a spotlight on the dangers of toxic-gas buildup in confined spaces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "shed light on" or "draw attention to" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "cast a spotlight" in overly passive constructions that weaken the impact of your writing. For example, instead of saying "attention was cast a spotlight on the issue", use "the report cast a spotlight on the issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast a spotlight" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the act of making something more prominent or noticeable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and frequent appearance in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cast a spotlight" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to describe the act of making something more visible or prominent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it finds applications across various contexts, from formal academic writing to news reporting. When writing, be mindful of using active constructions and consider synonyms like "shed light on" or "draw attention to" for stylistic variety. The phrase is a powerful tool for emphasis and drawing attention to key issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shed light on

Suggests illuminating or clarifying a subject.

highlight

Focuses on emphasizing key aspects, often used when simplifying or clarifying.

focus attention on

Similar to 'draw attention', but can imply more intentional direction of focus.

put the focus on

Emphasizes directing intentional concentration onto something.

draw attention to

Emphasizes the action of making something noticeable.

call attention to

Directly asks for something to be noted.

bring to the fore

Implies uncovering or revealing something previously less known.

emphasize

Stresses the importance or noteworthiness of something.

give prominence to

Suggests raising the profile or status of something.

underscore

Implies drawing attention to something already present, but needing further emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "cast a spotlight" in a sentence?

You can use "cast a spotlight" to emphasize that something is bringing attention to a specific issue. For example, "The documentary cast a spotlight on the challenges faced by refugees."

What are some alternatives to "cast a spotlight"?

Alternatives include phrases like "shed light on", "draw attention to", or "highlight", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "cast a spotlight on" or "shed light on"?

Both "cast a spotlight on" and "shed light on" are acceptable. "Cast a spotlight on" is more vivid, while "shed light on" implies clarification or understanding.

What does it mean to "cast a spotlight" on something?

To "cast a spotlight" on something means to bring it to the forefront of attention, making it more visible and noticeable.