to amplify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to amplify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of increasing the volume, intensity, or significance of something, such as a message or sound. Example: "The speaker used various techniques to amplify her message and ensure it resonated with the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We partner with artists to amplify it.

The Guardian

It's just going to amplify whoever you are.

The Guardian - Tech

But it was also about coordinating to amplify their message.

The Guardian

But first, Mr. Messier wanted to amplify his case.

The New York Times

No matter what the circumstances are I tend to amplify".

The New York Times

He loves to itemise, to catalogue, to amplify.

The Guardian - Books

Pro-social branding helps to amplify that movement.

The Guardian

Even social media serves mainly to amplify the already powerful.

The Guardian - Opinion

What he miscalculated was how much to amplify the piano.

The New York Times - Arts

There was an expletive included to amplify Beckett's message.

The New York Times - Sports

Opening her mouth she half expects the cries to amplify.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to amplify", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being increased or enhanced. For instance, specify whether you're amplifying a sound, a message, or an effect.

Common error

Avoid using "to amplify" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your language sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "enhance", "intensify", or "magnify" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to amplify" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase. It is used to express purpose or intention, indicating that an action is being performed to increase the magnitude, intensity, or effect of something, as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to amplify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to convey the intention to increase or enhance something, whether it be a sound, a message, or an idea. While suitable for diverse registers, it's predominantly found in news and media and scientific contexts. When using "to amplify", ensure the context clearly identifies what you are increasing and avoid overuse by exploring synonyms such as "to enhance" or "to intensify". Understanding these nuances helps wield "to amplify" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to intensify

Emphasizes making something stronger or more extreme, which is closer to the core meaning of "amplify".

to enhance

Implies improving the quality or value of something, often in a subtle or refined way.

to magnify

Suggests making something appear larger or more important, either literally or figuratively.

to heighten

Implies raising the level or intensity of something, often related to emotions or sensations.

to augment

Focuses more on adding something extra to enhance the existing quality, instead of necessarily increasing the intensity.

to accentuate

Highlights or emphasizes a particular feature or aspect, making it more noticeable.

to boost

Refers to increasing something quickly and effectively, often in a specific area or aspect.

to underscore

Emphasizes the importance or significance of something, bringing it to greater attention.

to expand on

Focuses on providing more details or information about a topic, rather than increasing its inherent quality.

to elaborate on

Similar to "expand on", but emphasizes a more detailed and thorough explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "to amplify" in a sentence?

You can use "to amplify" to describe increasing the intensity of something, such as "The speaker used a microphone to amplify their voice" or "The article aimed to amplify awareness of the issue".

What can I say instead of "to amplify"?

You can use alternatives like "to enhance", "to intensify", or "to magnify" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "amplify on" instead of "to amplify"?

No, the correct form is "to amplify". The preposition "to" is essential when using "amplify" as an infinitive verb. "Amplify on" is not a standard or grammatically correct construction.

What is the difference between "to amplify" and "to exaggerate"?

"To amplify" means to increase or enhance something, while "to exaggerate" means to represent something as being larger, better, or worse than it really is. While both involve increasing something, exaggeration implies a distortion of the truth.