emphatically

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'emphatically' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a point or opinion. For example, "The doctor emphatically stated that the patient must stay in bed and avoid all physical activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Snowden emphatically denied speculation that he had cut a deal with the Chinese government, giving them classified documents in exchange for providing him with an eventual safe haven.

The Guardian

From the off, Grimshaw's show was emphatically music-driven, with more tracks in the first half hour than Moyles would sometimes play in half a show.

The Guardian

As Roffey advanced, Phillips moved in to score emphatically.

The Guardian - Sport

In the other 19 finals, Williams prevailed, often emphatically.

The Guardian - Sport

"I can emphatically guarantee you it wasn't [connected]," he said.

The Guardian - Business

I just said no, emphatically, and that was it.

The Guardian - Film

Emphatically not part of the Sci-Fi season, festive favourite It's a Wonderful Life is back in play again.

The Guardian - Film

The 7-1 rout by the Germans in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday was the worst ever suffered by Brazil, and a first competitive home defeat in 39 years, as their hopes of avenging their defeat to Uruguay in the final back in 1950 were emphatically dashed.

The Guardian - Sport

At the Golden Globes, The Good Wife is emphatically included: best drama, best actress for Margulies and a much-deserved best supporting actor for Alan Cumming.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Still popular, but not quite so emphatically, was the Tory proposal to allow family houses of up to £1m to be passed on free of inheritance tax, which was backed by a 71% to 22% margin.

The Guardian

It remained a remarkably radical scheme, but the public's enthusiasm for the sanitary cause, and the threat of cholera, persuaded the Whig government of the day to hastily accept what the previous administration had so emphatically rejected.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "emphatically" to add weight and conviction to your statements. This is especially useful when you need to clearly communicate the strength of your opinion or the certainty of a fact.

Common error

Avoid using "emphatically" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or even pretentious in such settings. Simpler adverbs like "strongly" or "definitely" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "emphatically" primarily functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to intensify their meaning. As Ludwig AI says, you can use it to emphasize a point or opinion, like in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Film

7%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emphatically" functions as an adverb used to add force and conviction to statements. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and effective for emphasizing opinions or facts. It's prevalent in news, media, and formal business contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. While very common, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic in informal settings. Alternatives like "strongly" or "vehemently" can be considered depending on the desired nuance. Therefore, understanding the purpose and register ensures its appropriate and impactful use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vehemently

This suggests a passionate and intense expression, often accompanied by strong emotion.

strongly

This term conveys forcefulness, but may lack the nuance of conviction implied by "emphatically".

categorically

This implies a complete and absolute denial or affirmation, leaving no room for doubt.

adamantly

This implies a stubborn and unyielding stance, highlighting the firmness of the position.

unequivocally

This emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the statement.

flatly

This suggests a direct and uncompromising denial, often implying a lack of willingness to discuss further.

forcefully

Focuses on the power and intensity of the expression or action.

resolutely

Highlights the determination and firmness behind a decision or action.

definitely

This is a more common and less formal way of expressing certainty.

decidedly

This implies a clear and noticeable difference or preference.

FAQs

How can I use "emphatically" in a sentence?

You can use "emphatically" to strengthen a statement or denial. For example, "The CEO "emphatically" denied the allegations of fraud" or "She "emphatically" stated her support for the new policy".

What are some alternatives to using "emphatically"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "strongly", "vehemently", "adamantly", or "definitely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "emphatically" in formal writing?

While "emphatically" is generally suitable for formal writing, consider your audience and the specific context. Overuse can make your writing sound overly dramatic. Ensure it genuinely adds value by highlighting the strength of a statement.

What's the difference between "emphatically" and "categorically"?

"Emphatically" suggests a strong expression of feeling or conviction, while "categorically" implies an absolute and unconditional statement. You might "emphatically" deny something you feel strongly about, but you would "categorically" deny something when there's no room for interpretation or exception.