for emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

"for emphasis" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, this phrase is used to emphasize a certain word or phrase. For example, "I need to go to the store, for emphasis, right away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, for emphasis: "Money".

The New York Times - Sports

For emphasis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(It was, theoretically, for emphasis).

The New Yorker

A pause, for emphasis.

The Guardian

He repeated the number for emphasis.

The New York Times

For emphasis, she added a frowning emoticon.

The New York Times - Science

Negation was often repeated for emphasis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For emphasis, the commercial provides subtitles.

The New York Times

A slight pause for emphasis.

The Guardian - Film

Use gestures for emphasis.

Columbia University

Her arms waggle for emphasis.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "for emphasis". In formal writing, a more nuanced phrase might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid inserting "for emphasis" awkwardly within a sentence, which can disrupt the flow. Ensure it logically connects to the element you're highlighting for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for emphasis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to indicate the speaker or writer's intention to highlight a specific element. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to draw attention to a particular word, phrase, or idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for emphasis" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that signals the intent to highlight a particular aspect of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to draw attention and underscore importance across a variety of contexts, most commonly in news and media. While appropriate for general use, writers should consider more nuanced alternatives in highly formal or scientific settings. Remember to use it sparingly to maintain impact and avoid awkward placement within sentences. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "for emphasis" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a point of emphasis

This option uses a more formal tone, explicitly naming the element being highlighted as a point of focus.

to stress the importance

This phrase focuses directly on the significance of the information being conveyed, emphasizing its value.

to underscore the point

This alternative highlights the act of drawing attention to a specific idea, focusing on making it stand out more clearly.

for added impact

This alternative shifts the focus to the effect the speaker wants to achieve, stressing the influence of the statement.

to accentuate

This alternative implies a more subtle enhancement, bringing out specific qualities of the point in question.

to highlight

This alternative suggests a direct and visually descriptive approach to making something more noticeable.

to reiterate

This alternative focuses on restating a point, reinforcing its message by saying it again.

for clarification

This alternative is used when trying to be more clear or easier to understand, not necessarily to add emphasis.

in particular

This alternative singles out a specific element, drawing specific attention to it from a broader context.

by way of illustration

This alternative is used to provide an example that provides clarity instead of adding emphasis.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "for emphasis" in a sentence?

Use "for emphasis" after stating a point you wish to highlight, or to introduce a word or phrase intended to add particular weight to your statement. It can be set off by commas, or used more directly within the sentence structure.

Are there alternatives to "for emphasis" that I can use in formal writing?

Yes, consider using phrases such as "to underscore the point", "to stress the importance", or "as a point of emphasis" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is it appropriate to use "for emphasis" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "for emphasis" might be too direct for some academic contexts. Evaluate if a more subtle or analytical phrase would better suit the formal tone, such as "to highlight" or "to accentuate".

What's the difference between using "for emphasis" and simply repeating a word or phrase?

Repeating a word or phrase can indeed add emphasis, but using "for emphasis" explicitly signals your intent to highlight something. The explicit phrase is clearer but can also be seen as less subtle.