to emphasize

USAGE SUMMARY

"to emphasize" is correct and common in written English.
It is used to give emphasis to a certain point or idea in a sentence. For example, "I want to emphasize the importance of following safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I want to emphasize that.

The New York Times

He sought to emphasize universal themes.

The New York Times

"No," Mara interjected to emphasize his point.

The New York Times

But he prefers to emphasize its message.

The New York Times

Brassieres were redesigned to emphasize the breasts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chicago chose to emphasize culture.

The New York Times

"We try to emphasize fun.

The New York Times - Sports

Concerned to emphasize the quantitative.

Harvard University

They have to select what to emphasize.

The New York Times

The idea was to emphasize high technology.

The New York Times

You are right to emphasize fairness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to emphasize", ensure that the point you are highlighting is directly relevant to the surrounding context. Overuse can dilute the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "to emphasize" to introduce information that is already apparent or doesn't significantly contribute to the overall argument. It should amplify, not state the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to emphasize" functions primarily as an infinitive of purpose. It introduces a reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI examples show it frequently used to introduce key points or arguments in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to emphasize" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight key points and arguments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "to highlight" or "to underscore" to add nuance. Remember that strategic use of "to emphasize" enhances clarity and persuasiveness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to highlight

Focuses on making something stand out or be more noticeable.

to stress

Implies placing importance or pressure on a specific aspect.

to underscore

Suggests drawing attention to something that might be overlooked.

to accentuate

Highlights a particular feature or quality to make it more prominent.

to bring attention to

Directs focus towards a specific subject or detail.

to call attention to

Formally points out something of significance.

to lay stress on

Similar to "to stress" but often used in a more formal context.

to give prominence to

Emphasizes importance and making it a key aspect.

to focus on

Implies narrowing the scope to a particular subject.

to make a point of

To state something clearly and deliberately.

FAQs

How can I use "to emphasize" effectively in a sentence?

Use "to emphasize" when you want to draw particular attention to a key point. For example, "I want "to emphasize" the importance of clear communication".

What are some alternatives to "to emphasize"?

Alternatives include "to highlight", "to stress", or "to underscore" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "to emphasize" when making an important point?

No, sometimes the context alone can convey the importance of a point. Overusing "to emphasize" can make your writing sound repetitive; vary your sentence structure and word choice.

What's the difference between "to emphasize" and "to highlight"?

"To emphasize" is about giving importance to something, while "to highlight" is about making something more noticeable. While related, they serve slightly different purposes.