emphasize a point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emphasize a point" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to highlight or give more weight to a particular idea or statement. Example: In order to effectively persuade the audience, the speaker used statistics and personal anecdotes to emphasize the importance of climate change.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She will, however, sometimes whisper to emphasize a point.

The New York Times

He liked to stop walking to emphasize a point as I walked on.

The New Yorker

"Oh, I sometimes emphasize a point, if you know what I mean," Keeler said.

The New York Times

Varies speech flow for stylistic effect, e.g. to emphasize a point.

The New Yorker

"Believe me" is a go-to Trump tic that he uses mostly to emphasize a point.

The Washington Post

When she wants to emphasize a point, she doesn't raise her voice; she turns her palms up and shrugs.

The New Yorker

Shaking his right hand at times to emphasize a point, Mr. Fujimori, 70, spoke for nearly two hours.

The New York Times

Occasionally, to steer their work in a certain way or to emphasize a point, Desikan addresses the entire group.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Style: Emphasizing a Point.

Stanford University

Waving both looks fidgety and distracting; using one looks natural and emphasizes a point.

The New York Times

His speech is purposeful and full of rhythm when emphasizing a point.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, strategically use "emphasize a point" to draw the reader's attention to key arguments or findings, making your message more impactful and memorable.

Common error

Avoid using "emphasize a point" excessively, as it can dilute the impact of your message. Instead, reserve it for the most crucial arguments, allowing them to stand out effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emphasize a point" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates the act of giving special importance or prominence to a particular idea, argument, or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

17%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emphasize a point" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight key ideas or arguments. Ludwig AI confirms that. Its use is prevalent across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki articles. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "underscore a point" or "highlight a point" to diversify your writing. Strategically employing this phrase can significantly enhance the clarity and memorability of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underscore a point

Focuses on drawing attention to a point, similar to emphasizing, but implies a more direct highlighting.

highlight a point

Suggests bringing a point into focus, making it more noticeable or prominent.

stress a point

Implies placing importance or pressure on a specific point to make it stand out.

accentuate a point

Focuses on enhancing or intensifying a point to make it more pronounced.

bring attention to a point

Emphasizes the act of directing focus towards a particular point or idea.

draw attention to a point

Similar to bringing attention, but suggests a more deliberate effort to focus on something.

call attention to a point

Highlights the act of formally or publicly drawing focus to a specific point.

underscore the importance of a point

Specifically emphasizes the significance of a point, adding a layer of importance.

drive home a point

Conveys the idea of making a point clearly and forcefully, ensuring it is understood.

insist on a point

Implies a firm and unwavering emphasis on a particular point, often in the face of opposition.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "emphasize a point" in my writing?

To effectively use "emphasize a point", make sure the point you are emphasizing is crucial to your argument. Use it sparingly to maintain its impact. For alternatives, you could "underscore a point" or "highlight a point".

What are some alternative phrases to "emphasize a point"?

Several alternatives exist for "emphasize a point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Some options include "stress a point", "accentuate a point", or "bring attention to a point".

Is it better to "emphasize a point" or "drive home a point"?

The choice between "emphasize a point" and "drive home a point" depends on the context. "Emphasize a point" is a general way to highlight something, while "drive home a point" suggests a more forceful and conclusive way of ensuring the audience understands your message.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "emphasize a point"?

It might be inappropriate to use "emphasize a point" in very informal settings or when the point being made is trivial. Overusing it can also diminish its effectiveness. Consider using more casual language or alternative phrasing in such cases.