highlighted

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "highlighted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the fact that something stands out or has been made particularly visible, usually for emphasis. For example, "The teacher highlighted the most important parts of the textbook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Beckham also highlighted the fact that NFL players' careers are not as long as their counterparts in other major sporting leagues in the US.

The Guardian - Sport

The strength of feeling in the party was highlighted on Sunday when 20 current and former Tory constituency association chairmen delivered a letter to No 10 warning that the bill would inflict "significant damage" to the party in the runup to the next election.

The Guardian

A Human Rights Watch report published last September highlighted the extent of the regime's crackdowns on the political opposition, Muslims and street protesters.

The Guardian

The former Ukip candidate also claims that the new Conservative MP, whom he has known for about 30 years, handed him a leaflet template attacking Labour's record on immigration that he recommended Rose distribute in the areas of the constituency he highlighted as being home to potential Labour/Ukip swing voters.

The Guardian

The apparent antipathy towards anything deemed clean, green or renewable was further highlighted by the decision to change the name of the Clean Energy Supplement to the Energy Supplement.

The Guardian

The case against Pussy Riot, conducted at lightning speed and rife with procedural abnormalities, highlighted the politicised nature of Russia's court system.

The Guardian - Music

A report in 2012 by The Global Mail highlighted the deeply embedded climate skepticism, and the ideological commitment to coal mining and export.

The Guardian

The herding and slaughter of dolphins, highlighted by The Cove, has provoked outrage among animal welfare groups and some governments.

The Guardian

However, it also highlighted the persistence of patronising attitudes towards the region.

The Guardian

The prime minister vowed on Tuesday to reduce the annual benefits cap from £26,000 to £23,000 "within the first few days" of a Conservative victory, but analysis conducted by a housing association has highlighted the devastating consequences it would have on tenants in the south-east.

The Guardian

The dramatic progress in Northern Ireland, which saw the establishment of the first enduring power-sharing executive led by the DUP and Sinn Féin in 2007, was highlighted when the former IRA commander and Sinn Féin deputy first minister Martin McGuinness was due to attend a state banquet in honour of Higgins at Windsor Castle on Tuesday night.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in a formal context, such as an academic paper or business report, "highlighted" is a strong way to emphasize the importance of specific points.

Common error

Avoid using "highlighted" excessively in a single document. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing seem repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "emphasized" or "pointed out".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "highlighted" is that of a past participle. It is used to indicate that something has been emphasized or made more prominent. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highlighted" functions as a past participle, used to emphasize specific details or draw attention to key aspects. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. Its widespread use in news and media, coupled with its neutral register, makes it suitable for a variety of contexts. To avoid overuse, consider using synonyms like "emphasized" or "pointed out". By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and potential alternatives, you can effectively use "highlighted" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emphasized

Focuses more on the act of giving importance through speech or writing.

underlined

Suggests a more direct and forceful manner of drawing attention.

pointed out

Indicates a clear and specific mention of something noteworthy.

drew attention to

Implies the act of diverting focus towards a particular subject.

stressed

Conveys a strong sense of importance and urgency.

spotlighted

Suggests bringing something into the public eye or giving it prominence.

accentuated

Emphasizes the enhancement of a specific quality or feature.

foregrounded

Focuses on bringing something to the forefront or making it more visible.

brought to the fore

Similar to foregrounded, but emphasizes the action of making something prominent.

called attention to

A more general way of saying that something was made noticeable.

FAQs

How can I use "highlighted" in a sentence?

You can use "highlighted" to indicate that something was emphasized or made more noticeable. For example, "The report "highlighted" the need for further investment in education."

What are some alternatives to the word "highlighted"?

Alternatives include "emphasized", "underlined", or "pointed out", depending on the context.

Is "highlighted" the correct past participle of "highlight"?

Yes, "highlighted" is the past participle of the verb "highlight". It's used to describe something that has been given special attention.

What's the difference between "highlighted" and "emphasized"?

"Highlighted" often refers to making something visually distinct or drawing attention to it, while "emphasized" refers to giving something importance through speech or writing. Both are similar, but the context determines the best choice.