light emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

"light emphasis" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate a slight degree of emphasis, usually in comparison to greater emphasis. For example, "The professor added light emphasis to the importance of writing a clear thesis statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In both instances Mr. Aweau sang gorgeously, with a weightless vibrato and a light emphasis on the break, or ha'i, between vocal ranges.

The New York Times - Arts

He acknowledged in conversation that this line is different from the one taken by Mr. Reagan and even the old "thousand points of light" emphasis on voluntarism alone put forward by his father.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Murrow still offers introductions to film and broadcasting, but there is a lighter emphasis on production, and students use their own cameras and home computers to shape their final projects, said Gary Ragovin, the teacher of one of the classes.

The New York Times

(The pair's collaboration on Mr. To's contentious though slightly ponderous "Fulltime Killer" has a different palette and lighting scheme and shows how these two accentuate each other's strengths.) Mr. Cheng's virtuosity compels him to tone down the lighting emphasis as Mr. To intensifies the drama.

The New York Times

With a (relatively) lighter emphasis on role-playing than its contemporaries, and a well-publicized love for foam-sword-based violence, Belegarth is probably the most hard-assed activity you can participate in while dressed as an elf.

Vice

Even when he features people in his films, as he does in the black-and-white "Reverberation" (1969), which shows a couple standing and then seated on a city street in swirls of grain and light, the emphasis isn't on humans and their stories, but on bodies and their spaces.

The New York Times

Ensor practiced varieties of line that alternately congeal into solid matter and, thinning, dissolve into light, with emphases ranging from shouts to whispers.

The New Yorker

But now, with acts taking place in one, two or three rings (sometimes not rings but borders of colored lights), the emphasis has shifted, perhaps unintentionally, to the ear.

The New York Times - Arts

In his careful unpacking of Josie's family background, Eggers is asking us to observe subtle patterns: her decision to become a dentist, for example, he suggests, with the lightest of emphasis, is an off-the-peg identity copied from her guardian.

The Guardian - Books

Here, we aim to evaluate the performance of a conceptual semi-distributed rainfall-runoff model, HBV-light, with emphasis on parameter identifiability, uncertainty, and model structural validity.

Ecological Processes

The properties, the SpringHill Suites Atlanta Airport Gateway and the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway, incorporate low-flow plumbing, water-conserving landscaping and energy-efficient lighting, with an emphasis on natural light.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "light emphasis" to subtly draw attention to an aspect without overshadowing other elements. It is effective when you want to suggest importance without being overly assertive.

Common error

Avoid using "light emphasis" when a strong or direct statement is needed. If the element requires significant attention, opt for phrases like "significant emphasis" or "primary focus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light emphasis" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a verb or preposition. It describes the degree of importance or focus given to something. As exemplified in Ludwig, it indicates a subtle highlighting of a particular aspect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "light emphasis" is a grammatically correct and valid expression used to indicate a subtle degree of importance or focus. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While not very common, it appears in diverse sources like news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, suggesting its versatility. When writing, use "light emphasis" to subtly draw attention to an aspect without overshadowing other elements. If a stronger focus is intended, consider alternatives like "significant emphasis" or "primary focus".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight accentuation

This alternative highlights the act of giving a slight prominence to something.

subtle stress

This emphasizes the gentle application of importance or force to a particular aspect.

gentle highlighting

This suggests a soft method of drawing attention to something without being overly assertive.

mild focus

This implies a moderate degree of attention directed towards a specific point or area.

soft underscore

This conveys a gentle manner of indicating the importance of something.

moderate highlighting

Indicates a balanced approach to drawing attention without overpowering other elements.

minimal importance

Suggests the aspect carries a smaller degree of consequence or weight.

passing reference

Conveys brief or casual mention of something without prolonged focus.

casual mention

Implies offhand citing with little or no deep inspection or importance.

fleeting consideration

Highlights an action that is briefly thought of, with little dedicated focus or emphasis.

FAQs

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

You can use "light emphasis" to indicate a subtle importance. For example, "The speaker placed a "light emphasis" on the need for collaboration, but focused more on individual contributions".

What does "light emphasis" mean?

The phrase "light emphasis" refers to a slight or subtle focus or importance given to something. It suggests that while the element is acknowledged, it doesn't receive the primary attention.

What are some alternatives to "light emphasis"?

Alternatives to "light emphasis" include "slight accentuation", "subtle stress", or "gentle highlighting", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "light emphasis"?

It's appropriate to use "light emphasis" when you want to indicate that something is important but not the main focus. It is used when acknowledging a point without giving it undue weight.