selective emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selective emphasis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of highlighting certain aspects or details while downplaying others in communication or analysis. Example: "In her presentation, she used selective emphasis to draw attention to the most critical findings of the research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Bush is not alone in selective emphasis.

The New York Times

To a layman, the art inside the galleries, with its selective emphasis on pre-20th-century works and the tastes of J. Paul Getty, sometimes still seems the least of the Getty's attractions.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet the effect of reading 76 pages of continuous slides is rather like that of listening to an orator who stresses every syllable, rather than placing a more selective emphasis on key points – eventually, the initial surprise of reading something in this format looses all meaning, and you're left looking at a brightly hued mess of words.

The Guardian

The doctrinal rigidity that the new pope has called for, with its selective emphasis on sexuality and sex-based prohibitions, is no less ideological than the secular movements he deplores and no more likely to save the church from the perils of modernity.

The New York Times

Another important consideration is that development locations, site characteristics, economics and target market specifics, etc. would influence developers' selective emphasis on some criteria versus others to satisfy the passing score.

City, Territory and Architecture

"What I find interesting about these is the distortion as a result of selective emphasis; parts of interest are emphasized, unimportant parts reduced or left out.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The same map is reported in (c) after a more selective de-emphasis function is applied.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Finally, Figure 8(c) shows the GCF map when a more selective de-emphasis function is applied ( and ).

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Small values of generate very selective de-emphasis functions in the sense that the difference in attenuation between the null and the adjacent time delays is very high.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

From a general point of view, a wide and less selective de-emphasis is preferable because comes from an inherently noisy estimation process.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

(b) shows the map after a selective de-emphasis (b = 0.5 and p = 1.5) is performed: the secondary source in P1 is now evident (in the circle).

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "selective emphasis", ensure that your audience understands why certain aspects are being highlighted and others are being downplayed. Transparency enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "selective emphasis", as it can lead to biased interpretations if not balanced with a comprehensive view of all relevant information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "selective emphasis" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of giving prominence to certain aspects while potentially downplaying others. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "selective emphasis" is a noun phrase used to describe the act of highlighting certain aspects while potentially downplaying others. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in both news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, transparency is key to maintaining credibility. Alternatives include "focused attention" and "targeted highlighting". Keep in mind that overusing "selective emphasis" can lead to perceived bias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focused attention

This alternative suggests a concentration of effort or awareness on particular elements, differing from "selective emphasis" by omitting the aspect of potentially minimizing other elements.

targeted highlighting

Similar to "selective emphasis", this highlights specific aspects, but it does not necessarily imply a downplaying of other elements.

prioritized focus

This alternative implies a ranking of importance, where certain aspects receive greater attention, which aligns with the highlighting aspect of "selective emphasis".

strategic accentuation

This suggests a deliberate effort to make certain aspects more noticeable, similar to "selective emphasis", but carries a more formal tone.

chosen focus

This alternative emphasizes the act of deliberately choosing what to focus on, while "selective emphasis" also implies a degree of highlighting and de-emphasizing.

specific highlighting

This phrase underscores the act of emphasizing something specific, sharing the core meaning of "selective emphasis", but lacks the implication of de-emphasizing other elements.

particular stress

Similar to "selective emphasis", this highlights giving specific importance to something but it's more about an asseveration of importance.

pointed attention

This phrase emphasizes directing attention deliberately towards something, but doesn't necessarily imply downplaying anything else like "selective emphasis" does.

differential weighting

This alternative, primarily applicable in analytical contexts, suggests assigning different levels of importance, akin to the highlighting aspect of "selective emphasis".

emphasized aspect

This emphasizes a specific aspect that has been given more importance or focus, aligning with the core concept of selective emphasis but without explicitly noting the de-emphasis of other elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "selective emphasis" to describe how certain aspects are highlighted over others. For example: "The report employed a "selective emphasis" on positive results to create a favorable impression".

What are some alternatives to "selective emphasis"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "focused attention", "targeted highlighting", or "prioritized focus".

Is "selective emphasis" the same as "bias"?

"Selective emphasis" is a technique that can be used to create bias, but it isn't inherently biased itself. It becomes biased when it's used to unfairly promote one viewpoint over others without justification.

What's the difference between "selective emphasis" and "comprehensive analysis"?

"Selective emphasis" highlights specific aspects, while a "comprehensive analysis" aims to examine all relevant information, including those aspects which may be downplayed when using "selective emphasis".