emphasize something over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emphasize something over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate the importance of one thing over another. For example, "We need to emphasize the importance of communication over anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

KERRY: I want to emphasize something.

The Washington Post

I'm just trying to emphasize something different here.

Cornell University

But the latter emphasizes something crucially lacking in the former.

Vice

It's not only something we emphasize but is something we get evaluated on.

Forbes

Director Nick Love keeps things moving, creating a police procedural that is exciting and flashy without emphasizing style over substance (something the Brits seem to understand in a way that Hollywood rarely does).

Huffington Post

We emphasize joy over meat.

The New York Times

You emphasize quality over quantity.

The Guardian - Business

Insights over solutions: Initially, emphasize insights over solutions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Although they tended to emphasize quantity over quality".

The New York Times

And I emphasize best, over common.

Huffington Post

Like mass-produced furniture, storytellers emphasize functionality over artistry.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "emphasize something over", ensure that the contrast between the two elements is clear to avoid ambiguity. Providing specific examples can help clarify the intended focus.

Common error

Avoid using "emphasize something over" excessively, as it can create a sense of imbalance or bias. Consider using more neutral language to present both sides of an argument before highlighting the preferred element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emphasize something over" functions as a comparative verb phrase. It's used to highlight the relative importance of one thing in relation to another, indicating a prioritization or preference. Based on Ludwig AI's analysis, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "emphasize something over" is a grammatically correct and usable construction used to highlight the relative importance of one thing compared to another. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context to ensure the comparison is clear and justified. Keep in mind to avoid overuse and potential bias. Alternatives like "prioritize", "favor", or "stress" can be used to add variety to your writing, depending on the intended nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that the contrast is clear and the reasoning is well-supported to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prioritize something over

Focuses on the order of importance, making one thing more crucial than another.

favor something over

Indicates a preference for one thing when given a choice.

stress something more than

Highlights the greater importance or intensity given to one aspect.

value something above

Suggests a higher worth or esteem is placed on one thing.

prefer something to

Shows a liking or inclination towards one option.

highlight something over

Focuses on bringing attention to one thing while comparatively dimming another.

underscore something rather than

Implies a deliberate choice to emphasize one aspect instead of another.

accentuate something instead of

Suggests a more stylistic or aesthetic choice of emphasis.

put more weight on something than

Indicates a greater significance or influence is given to one thing.

focus on something instead of

Shifts the attention and energy to one particular area or aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "emphasize something over" to show preference or importance of one thing compared to another. For example, "The company decided to "emphasize quality over" quantity in their new product line."

What are some alternatives to "emphasize something over"?

Alternatives include "prioritize something over", "favor something over", or "stress something more than", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "emphasize something over" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to clearly indicate that one aspect, idea, or element is more important or deserving of attention than another. Be sure to provide context for why you are making this distinction.

What's the difference between "emphasize something over" and simply "emphasize something"?

"Emphasize something" highlights the importance of a single element. "Emphasize something over" implies a comparison and preference between two distinct elements, indicating one is more important than the other.