spotlighted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spotlighted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been highlighted or brought to attention, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The report spotlighted the key issues affecting the community, prompting immediate action from local leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reversing its own earlier decision that the false-arrest lawsuit could proceed, the second US circuit court of appeals in Manhattan said in a ruling on Monday evening that police made valid arrests in a "confused and boisterous situation" during a march that spotlighted the anti-financial-inequality movement in its early days.

The Guardian

No firms were named, presumably because formal litigation has yet to begin.A day later, the SEC proposed new rules intended to stop the worst fund improprieties spotlighted in recent months.

The Economist

Yet the episode again spotlighted the unsatisfactory nature of that supposedly common foreign policy.In this section Unequal abroad, punchier at home Quick march!

The Economist

JERUSALEM — The fractured politics of Israel's governing coalition were spotlighted on Monday ahead of a second release of Palestinian prisoners that was agreed to as part of peace talks brokered by the United States.

The New York Times

Last summer the tribes spotlighted their direct tie to England, sending a 54-member delegation to meet local and national officials and to visit Pocahontas's grave in Gravesend, in Kent.This year's is not the first observance of the Jamestown settlement, but it is trying to be the most balanced.

The Economist

Three half-satiric, half-elegiac novels by J.G. Farrell (Troubles [1970], The Siege of Krishnapur [1973], and The Singapore Grip [1978]) likewise spotlighted imperial discomfiture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An all-Jiri Kylian bill spotlighted three iconic works, all new to BB's repertoire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

PB also spotlighted a new piece: Trisha Brown's O zlozony / O Composite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"CIGE 2010," the seventh edition of the China International Gallery Exposition, held in Beijing, displayed works from 22 countries across five continents, while "ShContemporary 10," the fourth edition of the Asia Pacific Contemporary Art Fair in Shanghai, spotlighted young artists in the curated exhibition "Discoveries".

Encyclopedia Britannica

With their introductory public statements the two leaders spotlighted the immediate problems that divide the two sides, even before this latest bid for an Israeli-Palestinian deal gets down to the core issues of borders, the return of refugees and the status of Jerusalem that must be part of any final settlement.

Independent

A young woman dressed in black, Gayle Tufts, sat spotlighted in the gallery window while a young man in black cut her hair with an electric razor and styled and sprayed it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spotlighted" when you want to convey that something was intentionally given prominence or attention, often to emphasize its importance or significance. For instance, "The investigation spotlighted critical flaws in the system" indicates more than just mentioning; it suggests a deliberate focus.

Common error

Avoid using "spotlighted" merely as a substitute for 'mentioned' or 'included'. "Spotlighted" implies a deliberate highlighting. For example, instead of saying 'The report spotlighted the budget,' use 'The report mentioned the budget' if you only mean it was included, not emphasized.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "spotlighted" is as the past tense or past participle of the verb 'spotlight'. It indicates that something has been given prominence or attention. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spotlighted" is a versatile verb form used to indicate that something has been deliberately highlighted or given prominence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically sound and commonly found in news, encyclopedias and more neutral contexts. When writing, remember that "spotlighted" conveys intentional emphasis, distinguishing it from mere mentioning. Alternatives include "highlighted" and "emphasized". Overall, "spotlighted" is a valuable tool for drawing attention to key information and making your writing more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highlighted

Direct synonym; emphasizes the act of making something more noticeable.

emphasized

Similar to highlighted, but suggests stressing the importance of something.

featured

Suggests giving prominence to something as a main attraction.

underscored

Implies drawing attention to something to emphasize its significance.

brought to the fore

Idiomatic expression meaning to bring something into prominence or attention.

called attention to

A more literal way of saying something was made noticeable.

drawn attention to

Similar to 'called attention to', suggesting attention was directed towards it.

illuminated

Metaphorically means to clarify or make something more understandable.

put in the limelight

Idiomatic expression for making someone or something the center of attention.

made prominent

Directly indicates something was made noticeable or important.

FAQs

How can I use "spotlighted" in a sentence?

Use "spotlighted" to indicate that something was intentionally given prominence or attention. For instance, "The presentation "spotlighted" the team's achievements" shows deliberate highlighting.

What are some alternatives to using "spotlighted"?

Alternatives include "highlighted", "emphasized", or "featured". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "spotlighted" in formal writing?

Yes, "spotlighted" is appropriate for formal writing. It appears in reputable news sources and encyclopedias. Just ensure its use aligns with its intended meaning of deliberate emphasis.

What is the difference between "spotlighted" and "mentioned"?

"Spotlighted" implies giving something prominence or special attention, while "mentioned" simply means it was referred to. Using "spotlighted" indicates a greater focus or significance than merely mentioning something.