emerge

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "emerge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that appears from a previously unseen place or state. For example: “After months of hard work, the project finally emerged from obscurity.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

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 something coming into view or becoming known after a period of obscurity or concealment.

Common error

Avoid using "emerge" when a simpler word like "appear" would suffice. "Emerge" carries a connotation of gradual revelation or overcoming obstacles, so reserve it for situations where that nuance is relevant.

Linguistic Context

Emerge functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of coming into view or becoming known. Ludwig AI confirms that it can also describe arising from a state or situation, as seen in the examples provided, such as "He emerged unscathed from the accident."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "emerge" is a versatile verb used to describe something coming into view, becoming known, or arising from a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is very common, especially in News & Media. While "emerge" is generally suitable for neutral and formal contexts, it's important to consider the nuance it adds—of gradual revelation or overcoming obstacles—and avoid overuse when simpler alternatives like "appear" would suffice. The related phrases offer a range of options to convey similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. Remember to reserve "emerge" for situations where it makes a more impactful and meaningful sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear

A simpler and more general term for becoming visible or noticeable.

come into view

Replaces "emerge" with a focus on the visual aspect of something appearing.

surface

Implies coming from beneath a surface or from a hidden place.

arise

Suggests a gradual or unexpected beginning or development.

materialize

Indicates something becoming real or visible after being abstract or uncertain.

come to light

Highlights the revealing of something previously hidden or unknown.

become apparent

Focuses on something becoming clear or obvious.

spring up

Implies a sudden and rapid appearance or growth.

issue forth

A more formal and literary way to describe something coming out or emanating from a source.

make an appearance

Suggests a deliberate or planned arrival.

FAQs

How can I use "emerge" in a sentence?

The verb "emerge" describes something that comes into view or becomes known. For example, "New details "emerge" daily during a trial" or "A clear winner didn't "emerge" from the debate".

What can I say instead of "emerge"?

You can use alternatives like "appear", "arise", or "surface" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "emerge from" or "emerge out of"?

"Emerge from" is the standard and more concise phrasing. "Emerge out of" is redundant and less common.

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

"Emerge" generally means to come into view or become apparent, while "surface" specifically implies coming from beneath a surface.