it was highlighting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was highlighting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was emphasizing or drawing attention to a particular point or detail in the past. Example: "During the presentation, it was highlighting the key benefits of the new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was highlighting the melting of the ice caps and the problems the polar bear has because of that.

The New York Times

Labour itself is not proposing to cover accommodation costs, but said it was highlighting the figures because the government was not being "straight" with the public.

BBC

In fact, when the college first approached the BBC it was highlighting a 40% figure which has been bandied about by NHS England.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was highlighted last year in Architectural Record, which noted its "dynamically curved gym," clad in gleaming aluminum.

The New York Times

It was highlighted by pictures of Mecca and Medina.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was highlighted by their scorers, who each have a point to prove.

The Guardian - Sport

The unreality of it was highlighted after the vote for Brexit.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was highlighted by the Queen during her Christmas broadcast to the Commonwealth.

The Guardian

Mooresville came into national spotlight after it was highlighted by President Obama.

The Guardian - Money

It was highlighted that social workers often have to navigate competing rights: individual, family, cultural, groups, language.

The Guardian

Five years later it was highlighted in an Ofsted report entitled Excelling Against the Odds.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was highlighting", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that the object being highlighted is directly relevant to the context. For example, instead of "It was highlighting issues", specify "The report was highlighting environmental issues".

Common error

Avoid using "it was highlighting" excessively in passive constructions, as this can make the writing sound weak and indirect. Instead, consider using active voice to emphasize the actor or cause of the highlighting action. For instance, instead of "It was highlighting the problem", try "The speaker highlighted the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was highlighting" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe the act of drawing attention to something or emphasizing a particular point.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was highlighting" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct. It's used to emphasize particular aspects or draw attention to certain details. Common contexts include news media, science and general information as showed on Ludwig, which makes its register generally neutral, lending it to diverse audiences. Related phrases include "it emphasized" and "it underscored", useful for adding variety to your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and passive voice constructions, opting for active voice when possible to make your writing more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it underscored

Replaces "highlighting" with "underscored", emphasizing a subtle but clear signal.

it emphasized

Replaces "highlighting" with "emphasized", focusing on direct importance.

it drew attention to

Changes the structure to focus on where attention was directed.

it brought to the fore

Replaces "highlighting" with a more figurative expression, indicating prominence.

it spotlighted

Uses "spotlighted" for a vivid image of focused attention.

it pointed out

Emphasizes the act of indicating something specific.

it foregrounded

Uses "foregrounded" to describe bringing something to the most important position.

it underscored the importance of

This expands the phrase to specifically mention 'importance'.

it made a point of

Uses a more indirect way of expressing the emphasis.

it stressed

Replaces "highlighting" with a synonym that implies importance.

FAQs

How can I use "it was highlighting" in a sentence?

You can use "it was highlighting" to show that something was emphasizing or drawing attention to a specific point or issue. For instance, "The presentation "it was highlighting" the need for better safety measures".

What are some alternatives to "it was highlighting"?

Alternatives include "it emphasized", "it underscored", or "it drew attention to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, instead of ""it was highlighting"", you could say "it emphasized" if you want to stress importance.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "it was highlighting"?

While "it was highlighting" is a valid construction, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and impactful. Consider using phrases like "the speaker highlighted" or "the report emphasized" for greater clarity.

What's the difference between "it was highlighting" and "it highlighted"?

"It was highlighting" is in the past continuous tense, suggesting an ongoing action in the past. "It highlighted" is in the simple past tense, indicating a completed action. For example, "It was highlighting the key features throughout the presentation", versus "it highlighted the main points at the end".