makes headlines

USAGE SUMMARY

"makes headlines" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to attract attention or receive widespread media coverage. Example: The celebrity's scandalous affair with a married co-star has been making headlines for weeks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Public health seldom makes headlines.

The Guardian - Opinion

Antidepressants have something like celebrity status; exposing them makes headlines.

The New York Times

The back-and-forth in California regularly makes headlines.

The New York Times

AIDS is a disease that still makes headlines.

The New York Times

China usually makes headlines for its environmental protests, and pollution.

The Guardian - Travel

"It makes headlines," and the coverage skews public opinions about the safety of the event.

The New York Times

But every single death from ecstasy makes headlines, generating plentiful debate.

Independent

THESE days, Irish republican terrorism rarely makes headlines in British newspapers.

The Economist

When the billionaire George Soros makes headlines, it's usually in the business section.

The New York Times

On the page, his volatility has made art; in life, all too frequently, it makes headlines.

The New Yorker

Wednesday 5 December: News of the prank call makes headlines around the world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "makes headlines", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Does the subject simply receive media attention, or does it dominate the news cycle or create a sensation? Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the situation.

Common error

Avoid consistently using phrases like "makes headlines" when more neutral language is appropriate. Overuse can diminish the impact and credibility of your writing. Sometimes, stating the facts directly is more effective than relying on sensationalistic language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes headlines" functions as a predicate, indicating that a subject (person, event, or topic) is receiving significant media attention. Ludwig provides numerous examples confirming its use in describing newsworthy occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "makes headlines" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something is receiving significant media attention. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase effectively communicates that a particular event or person is newsworthy. Predominantly used in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral tone and serves to inform the audience about events that are attracting widespread coverage. Remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid overuse for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes front-page news

Highlights the importance and prominence of the news coverage.

attracts media attention

Focuses on the action of drawing attention rather than the result of being in the news.

grabs the spotlight

Emphasizes the prominence and visibility gained.

dominates the news cycle

Highlights the pervasiveness and length of the news coverage.

is widely reported

Focuses on the factual reporting rather than the sensationalism.

becomes a talking point

Shifts the focus to public discussion and debate.

generates buzz

Implies excitement and widespread conversation, often in a less formal context.

is big news

A more concise and informal way of saying something is important enough to be reported.

creates a sensation

Suggests a strong emotional reaction and widespread interest.

captures public interest

Emphasizes the engagement of the general public.

FAQs

How can I use "makes headlines" in a sentence?

The phrase "makes headlines" is used to describe an event or person that receives significant media attention. For example, "The company's new product launch "makes headlines" across the tech industry."

What are some alternatives to "makes headlines"?

You can use alternatives like "attracts media attention", "grabs the spotlight", or "is widely reported" depending on the context.

Is "makes headlines" formal or informal?

"Makes headlines" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is most commonly found in news reporting and general media. Consider the tone of the other sentence to determine if it's consistent.

What does it mean when something "makes headlines"?

When something ""makes headlines"", it means that it is being widely reported in the news and attracting significant public attention. It suggests that the event or person is considered newsworthy.