made the headlines

USAGE SUMMARY

"made the headlines" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when one wants to emphasize that something was widely discussed and talked about. For example: "The revelation that President Trump had secretly been in talks with North Korea made the headlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her appointment made the headlines.

The Guardian

Dads have made the headlines this week.

The Guardian - Opinion

And then there's what hasn't made the headlines.

The Guardian

Shortly after his trial, another lèse-majesté case made the headlines.

The Economist

Green Day, Rancid, the Offspring, and Blink 182 made the headlines.

The New Yorker

No – but the Camorra has made the headlines here in the past.

Independent

But it was Miss Canada who made the headlines sporting an entire hockey game.

Independent

Ms Ronson made the headlines last year when seen out with the actress Lindsay Lohan.

Independent

The movements that made the headlines in 2011 were largely non-hierarchical, creative and locally autonomous.

The Guardian

Brain-boosting drugs, bad memory wipers and anti-addiction vaccines were what made the headlines.

The Guardian

That made the headlines and added to his reputation as a loose cannon.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made the headlines" when you want to indicate that something was not only reported but also considered significant and noteworthy by news outlets.

Common error

Avoid using "made the headlines" in casual conversations or informal writing; it's generally more appropriate for news reports, formal analyses, or historical accounts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made the headlines" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating that a particular event or topic was widely reported and considered newsworthy. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is a correct and usable part of written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "made the headlines" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to indicate that something has been widely reported and considered significant news. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, the phrase serves to highlight the notability of an event or person. While perfectly acceptable in professional and academic settings, it should be used sparingly in informal conversation. Alternatives like "was widely reported" or "attracted attention" may be more appropriate depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominated the news

Implies a greater level of prevalence in news coverage than simply "made the headlines".

was widely reported

Stresses the broad distribution of information, but lacks the emphasis on importance.

captured the public eye

Highlights the visual aspect of gaining public attention.

was in the spotlight

Emphasizes being the center of attention.

attracted attention

Focuses on gaining notice, not necessarily through major media coverage.

became a talking point

Focuses on generating conversation and discussion.

became famous

Emphasizes achieving widespread recognition and popularity.

created a sensation

Stresses the excitement and buzz generated.

gained notoriety

Highlights achieving fame, but usually with negative connotations.

burst into public consciousness

Indicates a sudden and impactful entry into public awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "made the headlines" in a sentence?

Use "made the headlines" to indicate that a particular event or topic was widely reported and considered significant news. For example, "The company's innovative product launch "made the headlines" last week".

What's a less formal alternative to "made the headlines"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider phrases like "attracted attention", "was widely reported", or "became a talking point" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "made the headlines" in academic writing?

Yes, "made the headlines" is acceptable in academic writing, especially when discussing media coverage of a particular event or issue. However, ensure that the context is appropriate and that the phrase contributes to the overall analysis.

Which is more accurate, "made the headlines" or "was the headline"?

"Made the headlines" indicates that the event was a prominent news story, while "was the headline" suggests it was the most important story. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize general prominence or top-tier importance.