lay stress on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay stress on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression which means to emphasize something or to give particular attention to it. For example, you could say, "The professor laid stress on the importance of attending class regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I believed that in any society there will always be one political faction in govern-ment that will lay stress on the importance of production.

The Guardian - Books

We have to lay stress on proper education at the pre-primary and primary levels.

The New York Times

Similarly, moral attitudes are illustrated in sculptures that lay stress on dharma customs or laws governing duty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whenever possible, E.T. shares the frame with his young friends; we don't get many shots of him alone, for that would lay stress on his otherness.

The New Yorker

Some wished to lay stress on ethical, literary, and aesthetic training; others stressed intellectual development and claimed an equal share in all the culture of the age.

Britannica

Deontological theories thus stress the concepts of obligation, ought, duty, and right and wrong, while teleological theories lay stress on the good, the valuable, and the desirable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But I want to lay stress not on your origins but on your quality, your integrity and your worldly wisdom".

The Guardian

Greig and Tiffany, however, lay great stress on the story's sexual quality.

The Guardian

The prime minister, David Cameron, lay great stress on gangs being behind the riots.

The Guardian

Western religions, on the other hand, lay more stress on humanity's obedient response to the sovereign Word of God.

Britannica

However, current leasing model does not lay a stress on fairness and priority issues on the resource allocation.

Information and Software Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your audience; while acceptable, "lay stress on" might be replaced with a simpler term like "emphasize" in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "lay stress on" in contexts where a more direct or contemporary phrasing would be more appropriate. Incorrect tense usage (e.g. "laying stress on") also diminishes clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay stress on" functions as a verb phrase indicating emphasis or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's an idiomatic expression used to highlight a specific point, similar to what's observed in the example from The Guardian, 'I believed that in any society there will always be one political faction in govern-ment that will lay stress on the importance of production.'

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lay stress on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies emphasis or importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, directing attention to specific ideas or aspects. While commonly used in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, as illustrated by examples from The Guardian, The New York Times, and Britannica, consider simpler alternatives like "emphasize" in more informal contexts. When writing, ensure correct tense usage and be mindful of your audience's expectations regarding formality. Overall, "lay stress on" remains a useful and valid tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emphasize

This is a more direct and concise synonym, suitable for most contexts.

highlight

Focuses on bringing something to the forefront, making it noticeable.

underscore

Suggests reinforcing or drawing attention to a particular point.

place emphasis on

A more formal and slightly longer version of the original phrase.

give prominence to

Implies a higher degree of importance and visibility.

accentuate

Suggests making something more noticeable or pronounced.

draw attention to

Focuses on directing the audience's focus towards a specific aspect.

focus on

A broader term that indicates a concentration of effort or attention.

insist on

Suggests firmness and a strong assertion of importance.

underline

Is more literal, like drawing a line under something. Can also be used metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "lay stress on" in a sentence?

Use "lay stress on" to indicate that something is being emphasized or given particular importance. For example, "The report will lay stress on the need for improved safety measures".

What does "lay stress on" mean?

The phrase "lay stress on" means to emphasize, highlight, or give particular importance to something. It's used to draw attention to a specific point or aspect.

Are there synonyms for "lay stress on"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "emphasize", "highlight", or "underscore" depending on the context.

Is "lay stress on" formal or informal?

"Lay stress on" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. While it's not overly stiff, simpler words like "emphasize" may be preferred in very informal settings.