emphasize something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emphasize something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to highlight or give special importance to a particular point or idea in your writing. Example: "In her presentation, she aimed to emphasize the importance of teamwork in achieving success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

KERRY: I want to emphasize something.

The Washington Post

I'm just trying to emphasize something different here.

Cornell University

But I'd emphasize something a bit different from what Brad does.

The New York Times

To emphasize something is a matrix, it is often typeset in a boldface font.

Stanford University

And let me just emphasize something so that you don't forget.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Rhinehart tends to emphasize something else about his product: the idea that you could live on Soylent alone.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The campaign, though, is emphasizing something else: just how quickly he has risen in popularity.

The New York Times

For the moment, however, Mr. Thune's main campaign pitch emphasizes something else.

The New York Times

What was most helpful was that if the lecturer was emphasizing something, I could pause the lecture and go back and take closer notes.

Columbia University

And even aside from that clear trend, there's something else about the McCabe situation that's worth emphasizing — something that makes the whole thing even more problematic than it seems on the surface: the timing.

The Washington Post

Ellis is not only rapidly expanding the player pool, but she has emphasized something new for the US women's national team: calling up players based on club form.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, using "emphasize something" can help to strengthen your argument by highlighting key pieces of evidence or crucial insights.

Common error

Avoid using "emphasize something" excessively, as it can dilute the impact of your message. Instead, vary your language and sentence structure to maintain reader engagement. For example, switch it up with phrases such as "highlight an aspect" or "underscore a detail".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emphasize something" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the action of giving particular importance or prominence to a specific idea, point, or aspect. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "emphasize something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to highlight a specific point or idea. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. Its purpose is to draw attention to key aspects of a message, ensuring they stand out. While the phrase is prevalent in various sources like News & Media and Academia, it's advisable to avoid overuse and incorporate synonyms like "stress a point" or "highlight an aspect" to maintain engagement. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively employ "emphasize something" to strengthen their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stress a point

Replaces "emphasize" with "stress", focusing on the act of highlighting a particular point.

lay stress on

Similar to "stress a point", focusing on the act of placing importance or pressure on a specific area.

place emphasis on

Rephrases the action to focus on "placing" emphasis, changing the sentence structure.

highlight an aspect

Uses "highlight" instead of "emphasize", suggesting a visual or more direct method of drawing attention.

underscore a detail

Emphasizes the importance of a detail by "underscoring" it, conveying a sense of adding weight.

call attention to

Shifts the focus to directing attention towards a specific element.

draw attention to

Similar to "call attention to", but with a slightly different nuance of directing focus.

give importance to

Highlights the act of assigning importance to something.

focus on

Directly indicates a concentration on a particular subject or element.

point out

Suggests bringing something to someone's attention, often a specific fact or detail.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "emphasize something" in a sentence?

To effectively use "emphasize something", place it strategically within your sentence to draw attention to the key point you want to highlight. For example, "I want to "stress a point" about the importance of clear communication" is a clear and direct usage.

What are some alternatives to "emphasize something" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "underscore", "highlight", or "stress" to maintain a professional tone. For instance, instead of saying "I want to emphasize something", you could say "I wish to "underscore a detail" regarding the project's objectives".

Is it grammatically correct to use "emphasize something"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Emphasize" is a verb that means to give special importance or prominence to something. Using it in the phrase "emphasize something" is a standard way to indicate that you are highlighting a particular aspect.

What's the difference between "emphasize something" and "stress something"?

While "emphasize something" and "stress something" are often used interchangeably, "stress" can sometimes imply a greater degree of urgency or importance. "Emphasize" is generally a more neutral way to highlight a point, while "stress" might suggest that the point is crucial or critical. You may consider using other alternatives like "call attention to".