spotlight something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spotlight something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate bringing attention or focus to a particular subject or issue. Example: "The documentary aims to spotlight the challenges faced by local farmers in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He also is adjusting to the glare of the public spotlight, something he avoided entirely in the cloistered world of private equity.

The New York Times

Jeff Vogel writes about the psychological damage that comes from being unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, something that the fad machine that is the internet excels at doing to people. ScienceValentines (NPR) "Roses are red / Violets are blue / If you were a null hypothesis / I wouldn't reject you".

The Economist

The scientific results of the Tektite Project were later published in two volumes, which Sylvia co-edited, but the more immediate outcome of the project was Sylvia's abrupt entrance into the media spotlight — something altogether new to her. "It was Tektite that really turned me around," she said.

The New Yorker

The Rio Tinto drama caused Chinese authorities and companies to lose "face" while in the international spotlight — something almost unforgivable in China's political culture, particularly because Beijing has been trying hard to show off its strength as an international power.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was nice for the city to be in the spotlight for something positive, Moran said.

The New York Times - Sports

In two hours, Burke and the National Theatre of Scotland shine a spotlight on something that has been lost forever.

The Guardian

"I think it'll put Norwich in the spotlight if something really develops with this," said William Sabrowski, a Norwich native, who attended a lecture on Huntington last month.

The New York Times

Pushing this ongoing discussion into the major media spotlight was something of a breakthrough for progressive voices expressing the concerns that the left was being largely given short shrift in the unfolding cabinet.

The Guardian - Opinion

This week's announcement of the autumn programme at Sadler's Wells throws a spotlight on something I started worrying about a few years ago - the dominance of modern dance by men.

The Guardian

Ms. O'Day has third-rate sidekicks who, emboldened by the cameras, try to become sound-bite philosophers; a closet full of tacky dresses and shoes; and hopes of returning to the spotlight as something other than a train wreck, though there's nothing here to suggest these aren't just delusions.

The New York Times - Arts

And his experience running national campaigns means he's used to the harsh media spotlight - something that can trip up less seasoned candidates (just ask 2004 Democrat presidential aspirant Howard Dean).

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spotlight something", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are drawing attention to. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is doing the spotlighting. Instead of "Something is spotlighted", specify: "The report spotlights social inequality".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spotlight something" functions as a verb phrase where 'spotlight' acts as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object ('something') to complete its meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage brings attention to a particular subject, similar to examples of it bringing an issue 'into the major media spotlight'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spotlight something" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize or bring attention to a particular subject or issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the object is clearly defined and consider alternatives such as "highlight something" or "emphasize something" for subtle differences in meaning. While versatile, avoid overuse in passive voice to maintain clarity. Overall, "spotlight something" is a valuable tool for drawing focus in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highlight something

Emphasizes bringing attention to a specific aspect; direct synonym

emphasize something

Focuses on stressing the importance of a particular point or detail

draw attention to something

Suggests actively making something noticeable or prominent

focus on something

Indicates directing attention and effort towards a specific subject

shed light on something

Implies revealing or clarifying something previously obscure or unknown

bring to the forefront

Highlights moving an issue or topic to a prominent position

underscore something

Stresses the importance or significance of a particular fact or issue

call attention to something

Suggests a deliberate act of pointing out or making something noticeable

put emphasis on something

Implies placing importance on a specific aspect, influencing focus

accentuate something

Focuses on enhancing or making something more noticeable through highlighting

FAQs

What does "spotlight something" mean?

The phrase "spotlight something" means to bring attention to a particular issue or topic, making it more visible or prominent. It is similar to highlighting or emphasizing something.

What can I say instead of "spotlight something"?

You can use alternatives like "highlight something", "emphasize something", or "draw attention to something" depending on the specific context.

Is "spotlight something" formal or informal?

"Spotlight something" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider "emphasize something".

How do I use "spotlight something" in a sentence?

Use "spotlight something" to indicate that you are focusing attention on a specific subject. For example: "The investigation aims to "spotlight something" previously overlooked by the authorities."