lay emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

"lay emphasis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is being emphasized. For example, "She laid emphasis on the need for greater decency in our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I lay emphasis on the young, particularly young men, because they are the ones who might otherwise be buying motorcycles, and aren't, at least not at all in the numbers they did before the economic downturn.

The New York Times

Plays of this type typically lay emphasis on the public welfare by pointing to the past as a lesson for the present, and the genre is often characterized by its assumption of a national consciousness in its audience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the context of entrepreneur approach, reward philosophy allows employee compensation to lay emphasis on innovation (Bradley, Wiklund, & Shepherd, 2011).

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

We will especially lay emphasis on the methodologies used to generate the diverse population types and designate possible applications.

Current Opinion in Plant Biology

Finalizing this section, we want to lay emphasis upon the fact that it is the chemical potential μ that controls the results for the grand canonical ensemble.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

To improve the ability of describing complex surfaces by using the proposed surfaces, we lay emphasis on the study of G2 continuity conditions of these surfaces.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

When such structures are established, their sources of financing must be clearly defined and budgeting must lay emphases on DRR activities such as research, education, training, and public sensitization/awareness creation.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Thirdly, objectives and concrete actions of the innovation project that a group of teachers is currently implementing will be outlined; the project lies emphasis on collaborative work, language support, collective training in aspects related to, and systematic monitoring and evaluation of the experience.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Blue Boris, whose political base is in the suburbs, will lay the emphasis, instead, on one-family private houses, gardens and green space.

The New York Times

Catholics seemed to lay the emphasis on forgiveness rather than Calvinist damnation; the whole delicious mystery of the confessional bespoke a customary accommodation with the temptations and consolations of secular life.

The New Yorker

Sure Start survives, as promised, but loses its original goal of bringing well-off and poorer children and families together, in order to focus services on the needier, and also shifts its mission to lay greater emphasis on the provision of an extra 4,200 health visitors (as the Conservatives promised last year).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity ensure that the subject performing the action of "laying emphasis" is clear in your sentence structure.

Common error

A common mistake is using "lie" instead of "lay". Remember that "lay" is a transitive verb (it takes an object), meaning someone or something is "laying" the emphasis. "Lie" is intransitive (no object), meaning something is in a resting position. For example, "I lay the book on the table" (correct) vs "I lie down on the bed" (correct). Thus you can't say "I lie emphasis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay emphasis" functions as a verbial phrase used to indicate that something is being particularly highlighted or stressed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression in written English. The examples in Ludwig show its use in academic, news, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lay emphasis" is a correct and usable expression indicating that something is being highlighted or stressed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across various domains including science, news, and encyclopedias. While synonyms like "emphasize" offer more concise alternatives, "lay emphasis" remains a viable choice, especially in formal contexts. Pay attention to the correct use of "lay" versus "lie" to avoid a common error. Overall, this phrase provides a clear and effective way to direct attention to key aspects within your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Emphasize

A more direct and concise verb that means to give special importance or prominence to something.

Stress

Similar to emphasize, but can also imply pressure or strain.

Highlight

To call attention to something, making it stand out.

Underscore

To emphasize or show the importance of something.

Focus on

To concentrate attention or effort on a particular thing.

Give prominence to

To make something stand out or be easily noticed.

Place importance on

To consider something as valuable or significant.

Call attention to

To make someone notice something.

Draw attention to

Similar to 'call attention to', but may imply a more deliberate effort.

Make a point of

To take special care to do something, emphasizing its importance.

FAQs

How can I use "lay emphasis" in a sentence?

You can use "lay emphasis" to indicate that something is being particularly highlighted or stressed. For example, "The report will "lay emphasis" on the importance of education." It's similar to saying "emphasize".

What are some alternatives to "lay emphasis"?

Some alternatives to "lay emphasis" include more direct synonyms like "emphasize", "stress", or "highlight". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to use "lay emphasis on" or a single word like "emphasize"?

Using "emphasize" is often more concise and direct. "Lay emphasis on" can be appropriate in formal writing where a slightly more elaborate phrase is desired, but in many cases, simplicity improves clarity.

What's the difference between "lay emphasis on" and "place emphasis on"?

"Lay emphasis on" and "place emphasis on" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. Both phrases are considered correct and can be used to indicate that something is being highlighted or given importance.