sharp emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp emphasis" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a strong or forceful emphasis on a particular word or phrase in a sentence. Example: The teacher's sharp emphasis on the importance of studying paid off when the students all received excellent grades on their exams.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Hence, a sharp emphasis on these countries will be central to ending extreme poverty," says the paper.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A sharper emphasis on the economic concerns of ordinary Americans shows up in Mr Obama's more frequent references to jobs, workers and the economy.

The Economist

Beaglehole and Bonita define global health as 'collaborative trans-national research and action for promoting health for all' (4) with a clearer, shorter, and sharper emphasis.

Global Health Action

"But I believe we are the" — he said, using a sharp word for emphasis — "greatest," before setting off into "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)," one of the band's biggest and most anthemic hits, which spurred a roaring singalong.

The New York Times - Arts

David B. Magleby, the dean of social sciences at Brigham Young University, who conducted a study of spending in the 2002 Congressional election, reported evidence of a sharp change in emphasis away from television advertisements and toward get-out-the-vote efforts.

The New York Times

Steering is relatively sharp, but the emphasis here isn't quick response but smooth transitions.

Forbes

Its acrid view of political ambition is nothing new (that perspective is all over TV these days, on shows like HBO's "Veep" and Starz's "Boss"), but the series has some sharp twists, with an emphasis on corporate graft and media grandstanding.

The New Yorker

CNN and MSNBC have somehow managed to photocopy several pages from the playbook of Roger Ailes, the founder of Fox News and its chairman, whose emphasis on sharp opinions, glitzy graphics and big personalities has been taken to heart by competitors like CNN's Anderson Cooper, Mr. Olbermann and his running mate on MSNBC, Chris Matthews.

The New York Times - Arts

Among those whose imagery reflected the new sharper style, with its emphasis on form rather than atmosphere, was Yasuzō Nojima, who gained a reputation for his incisive portraits, groundbreaking nudes, and landscapes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There's no reason over the next 12 months to fear a sharp reversal in Federal Reserve policy emphasis.

Forbes

Dewey also emphasized the importance of work as a source of human learning and democracy, extremely unusual among political theorists, combining such emphasis with a sharp criticism of most people's degraded experiences of work.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp emphasis" when you want to convey a clear and forceful highlighting of a particular point or aspect. This phrase works well in analytical or persuasive writing where clarity and impact are essential.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp emphasis" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "strong focus" or "special attention" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp emphasis" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sharp" modifies the noun "emphasis", indicating a forceful and distinct highlighting. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp emphasis" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a forceful highlighting of a specific point. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, though it is more commonly found in news and media, and science related publications than in casual conversation. When writing, remember that while "sharp emphasis" is appropriate for analytical and persuasive contexts, it should be used sparingly in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "strong focus" for less formal communication. The choice between "sharp emphasis" and alternatives depends on the level of intensity you want to convey, with "sharp emphasis" implying a more distinct highlighting. It's important to consider the context and audience when using this phrase to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong focus

Replaces "emphasis" with "focus", maintaining the intensity but with a slightly different connotation.

marked stress

Substitutes "emphasis" with "stress", indicating a noticeable highlighting of something.

pronounced accent

Uses "accent" instead of "emphasis", suggesting a distinct highlighting or prominence.

considerable weight

Replaces "sharp emphasis" with a phrase indicating the significance or importance given to something.

heightened importance

Emphasizes the increased level of significance attributed to a particular aspect.

special attention

Indicates that something is receiving particular focus or care.

clear priority

Highlights that something is being given precedence or importance over other things.

intense concentration

Focuses on the high degree of concentration or attention directed towards something.

noticeable highlighting

Emphasizes the act of making something stand out or be more visible.

distinct underscoring

Indicates a clear and unmistakable emphasis or highlighting of a particular point.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp emphasis" to highlight the importance of a specific element, as in "The report placed a "sharp emphasis" on the need for sustainable practices".

What are some alternatives to "sharp emphasis"?

Consider using phrases like "strong focus", "pronounced accent", or "considerable weight" as alternatives to "sharp emphasis", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "sharp emphasis" most appropriate?

"Sharp emphasis" is best suited for formal writing, analytical reports, and persuasive arguments where a clear and forceful highlighting is required. It may sound out of place in informal or casual contexts.

Is "sharp emphasis" interchangeable with "strong emphasis"?

While both phrases are similar, "sharp emphasis" suggests a more distinct and pointed highlighting compared to "strong emphasis". The choice depends on the degree of intensity you wish to convey.