overwhelming emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming emphasis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or dominant focus on a particular idea or aspect in a discussion or text. Example: "The report placed overwhelming emphasis on the need for sustainable practices in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Local authorities place overwhelming emphasis on "equality" in the provision of all services.

The Economist

One is an overwhelming emphasis on short-term fiscal austerity over growth.

The Economist

Isn't this overwhelming emphasis on film as the quintessential American unconscious something we should be prepared to question?

The New York Times

But the overwhelming emphasis, particularly among mainstream organisations such as the Association of British Muslims, was on abhorrence of violence and respect for freedom of speech.

The Economist

Founded in 1635, it was modeled on the grammar schools of England, which is to say that it put an overwhelming emphasis on the ancient languages and "humane learning and good literature".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The communist revolution, in Li's conception, became a populist revolution against the exploitation and oppression of foreign imperialism, with an overwhelming emphasis on the central role of China's impoverished peasantry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

[BBC] A new book by an investigative reporter for ProPublica says an overwhelming corporate emphasis on cost-cutting at BP paved the way for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The New York Times

At the time of its publication, PROVN was largely dismissed by military commanders, and the continued emphasis on overwhelming firepower and "search-and-destroy" missions amounted to an almost wholesale rejection of its recommendations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, overwhelming is overwhelming.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Dreyfus and Mr. Kelly admire Dante's focus on the saving power of various forms of desire, but find that his ultimate emphasis on the overwhelming bliss of contemplating God "makes all other earthly joys irrelevant".

The New York Times - Books

Sometimes, the emphasis on women-only networks can seem overwhelming, even to people who back its ultimate aims.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "strong focus" or "significant importance" to add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming emphasis" when a more balanced perspective is needed. Overstating the focus can misrepresent the situation or create a biased viewpoint. Instead, opt for phrases like "considerable attention" or "notable focus" to reflect a more nuanced assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming emphasis" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of giving substantial prominence or importance to something. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overwhelming emphasis" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to denote a strong and sometimes disproportionate focus on a particular element. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. While interchangeable with phrases like "strong focus" or "significant importance", it's crucial to ensure that its intensity aligns with the intended message and context, preventing potential misrepresentation or bias. Understanding its nuances helps writers deploy it effectively, enhancing clarity and impact in their communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong focus

Replaces 'emphasis' with 'focus' and 'overwhelming' with 'strong', lessening the intensity slightly.

significant importance

Shifts from 'emphasis' to 'importance', indicating value rather than direction of attention; 'significant' replaces 'overwhelming'.

central importance

Highlights something as crucial but reduces the sense of intensity.

major consideration

Suggests something is carefully thought about, rather than just strongly emphasized.

predominant concern

Replaces 'emphasis' with 'concern', framing the emphasis as something that is worried about, predominant is similar to overwhelming

primary concern

Implies a worry or anxiety, which may not be present in the original phrase.

heavy concentration

Changes 'emphasis' to 'concentration', suggesting a deliberate focusing of resources or attention.

marked attention

Substitutes 'emphasis' with 'attention', indicating that the attention is noticeable but may not be the primary focus.

substantial weight

Indicates importance or influence, rather than a specific focus or direction.

chief priority

Shifts the meaning to something that is most important and needs immediate action.

FAQs

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

You can use "overwhelming emphasis" to describe situations where a particular aspect or idea receives a disproportionately large amount of attention or importance. For instance, "The project placed an overwhelming emphasis on cost reduction".

What phrases are similar to "overwhelming emphasis"?

Alternatives to "overwhelming emphasis" include phrases like "strong focus", "significant importance", or "major consideration", each varying slightly in intensity and nuance.

Is it correct to say "an overwhelming emphasis was given"?

While grammatically sound, "an overwhelming emphasis was given" can sound passive. A more direct construction, such as "the report placed overwhelming emphasis", is often more impactful and concise.

What is the difference between "overwhelming emphasis" and "strong emphasis"?

"Overwhelming emphasis" suggests a focus that is almost excessive or disproportionate, whereas "strong emphasis" simply indicates a significant level of focus without necessarily implying imbalance.