the highlights

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the highlights" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most important or notable parts of something, such as an event, presentation, or report. Example: "During the meeting, we discussed the highlights of the project and the key milestones we achieved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The highlights?

The New York Times

Those were the highlights.

The Guardian - Opinion

The highlights follow.

The New York Times

Here are the highlights.

The New York Times - Food

Check out the highlights below.

The New York Times

Here, the highlights are manageable.

The New York Times

But they're the highlights.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are the highlights.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Check the highlights.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The highlight?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The highlight was breakfast.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When summarizing a lengthy document or event, use "the highlights" to quickly convey the most essential information to your audience.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "the highlights" excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "the best parts" or "the main things" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the highlights" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the most significant or interesting aspects of a particular event, presentation, or piece of information, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the highlights" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the most important or interesting aspects of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. When writing, consider substituting it with alternatives such as "the main points" or "the key takeaways" for variety. Avoid overuse in very informal settings and remember to use the plural verb form. With its versatility and clarity, "the highlights" remains a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main points

Focuses on the most important ideas or arguments.

the key takeaways

Emphasizes what should be remembered or understood from a presentation or discussion.

the high points

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly more informal tone.

the most important aspects

Highlights the critical elements of a subject.

the best parts

Emphasizes the most enjoyable or successful elements.

the notable features

Draws attention to the distinctive characteristics.

the significant events

Highlights important occurrences.

the key moments

Focuses on pivotal instances in time.

the major achievements

Emphasizes accomplishments or successes.

the crucial details

Points out details that are essential to understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "the highlights" in a sentence?

"The highlights" typically refers to the most interesting or important parts of something. For example, "The highlights of the conference included the keynote speaker and the networking sessions."

What can I say instead of "the highlights"?

You can use alternatives such as "the main points", "the key takeaways", or "the best parts" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the highlights of the show was" or "the highlights of the show were"?

The correct form is "the highlights of the show were" because "highlights" is plural, requiring a plural verb.

What is the difference between "the highlights" and "the lowlights"?

"The highlights" refers to the best or most interesting parts, while "the lowlights" refers to the worst or least appealing parts.