spotlight the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spotlight the issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to draw attention to a particular problem or topic that needs to be addressed. Example: "In our meeting, we need to spotlight the issue of budget cuts and their impact on our projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"[The exhibition] is great to spotlight the issue, but we must be careful not to sensationalise," she said.

The Guardian

Since Newtown more states have eased gun laws than have restricted them, despite efforts by gun control advocates to spotlight the issue.

The Guardian

Jean-Charles Lemardeley, an analyst at J.P. Morgan, said in a report that "this situation once again brings under the spotlight the issue of corporate governance" at TV Azteca.

The New York Times

One, he believes that the European Elections - in addition to the primary purpose of choosing MEPs - will spotlight the issue of Scotland in Europe and thus, perhaps, add a galvanic jolt to the already febrile referendum campaign.

BBC

He said he hopes the all-night session will help "spotlight" the issue "so they're obliged to work with us".

Huffington Post

These announcements come three weeks after The Huffington Post launched its Reclaim campaign to spotlight the issue of food waste.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The Web cuts through political tape to spotlight the issues that matter most to the electorate.

TechCrunch

Clinton, who spotlighted the issue in an earlier debate, reminded the CNN audience that she had pushed the Democratic National Committee to host a debate in Flint.

The Guardian

The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) last month spotlighted the issue of women and girls in the developing world.

Huffington Post

Oprah Winfrey spotlighted the issue by hosting an emergency episode dedicated to the topic of domestic violence, decrying: "Love doesn't hurt, and if a man hits you once, he will hit you again".

Huffington Post

Fiscal problems in Greece and Ireland have also helped put the spotlight on the issue of national debt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, use "spotlight the issue" to emphasize the importance of addressing it carefully and thoughtfully, without sensationalizing it.

Common error

Avoid using "spotlight the issue" if the intention is to exploit a situation for shock value. Ensure the focus remains on constructive dialogue and problem-solving, rather than sensationalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spotlight the issue" functions as a verb phrase used to highlight or draw attention to a particular subject or problem. It is frequently used to emphasize the importance of something that needs to be addressed or discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Spotlight the issue" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to highlight or draw attention to a particular problem or topic. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase is also relevant in formal business settings, though less so in academic or scientific writing. When using this phrase, prioritize constructive dialogue to avoid sensationalism, and consider alternatives like "highlight the issue" or "draw attention to the issue" for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put the spotlight on the issue

This alternative uses a slightly different structure while retaining the core meaning.

highlight the issue

This alternative uses a different verb to convey the same meaning of bringing attention to the issue.

emphasize the issue

This alternative focuses on giving particular importance or prominence to the issue.

draw attention to the issue

This alternative is a more descriptive way of saying to make people notice the issue.

focus attention on the issue

This alternative highlights the act of concentrating attention specifically on the issue.

bring the issue to the forefront

This alternative suggests moving the issue into a prominent position.

underscore the issue

This alternative means to emphasize or highlight the importance of the issue.

shed light on the issue

This alternative employs a metaphor suggesting the issue is being illuminated for better understanding.

raise awareness of the issue

This alternative emphasizes making people more aware and informed about the issue.

call attention to the issue

This alternative is a direct way of saying to publicly announce or highlight the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "spotlight the issue" in a sentence?

You can use "spotlight the issue" to emphasize the importance of a specific problem. For example: "The conference aims to "highlight the issue" of climate change and its impact on coastal communities".

What are some alternatives to "spotlight the issue"?

Some alternatives to "spotlight the issue" include "emphasize the issue", "draw attention to the issue", or "bring the issue to the forefront".

Is there a difference between "highlight the issue" and "spotlight the issue"?

While both phrases are similar, "spotlight the issue" often suggests a more intense and focused attention, as if shining a bright light on a specific problem. "Highlight the issue" is often used to denote a more gentle way of bringing attention to a subject.

When is it appropriate to use "spotlight the issue" in formal writing?

It's appropriate to use "spotlight the issue" in formal writing when you need to emphasize the importance of addressing a specific problem or topic. Ensure the context aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing. Using alternatives like "emphasize the issue" could be helpful as well.