to highlight something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to highlight something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize or draw attention to a particular point, detail, or aspect of a discussion or text. Example: "In her presentation, she used bold text to highlight something important about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

She has already told this story in her autobiographical novella "Passion simple" (Perfect passion), but by switching genres and perspective she aims to highlight something "darker and cruder".

The Economist

So it's not really a question of who is the worst offender, we're rather trying to highlight something that it is endemic.

The Guardian

The allegations against Lord Rennard, who has stepped down from duties and un-affiliated himself from the Lib Dems until the accusations of sexual harassment have been investigated, serve to highlight something of a modern-day crisis of etiquette.

Independent

Reflecting on this early time here, I'd like to highlight something that I found particularly special about the Earth Institute: activities that go beyond Columbia and engage with the real world.

Columbia University

Unless you are going to highlight something positive that you learned from a negative experience – like a new philosophy or way of thinking that you learned from a failed project – don't do this.

Yale University

Let me interrupt the misplaced hysteria over President Obama shaking the hand of Cuban President Raul Castro at the funeral of Nelson Mandela to highlight something that happened immediately afterwards.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

And on occasion, in order to sort of really highlight something, I use a profanity," he said during the GOP debate.

Los Angeles Times

His rise to the command of SOCOM should highlight something that, despite all the publicity given to America's special ops troops, seldom comes through here.

Huffington Post

In pointing out a misstatement or blunder to millions, a politician could highlight something that may never have been noticed.

The New York Times

"I wouldn't highlight something that would lead to a bad review," he said.

The New Yorker

Nonetheless, the e-mails do highlight something important about Bush and how his Presidential campaign is likely to unfold.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to highlight something", ensure that the information you are emphasizing is genuinely important and relevant to the context. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "to highlight something" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "It is important to highlight...", opt for a more direct approach like "We should highlight...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to highlight something" functions as an infinitive phrase often used to introduce a specific purpose or intention within a sentence. It serves to indicate that the speaker or writer aims to emphasize a particular point or aspect. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to highlight something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to emphasize or draw attention to specific information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse and passive constructions to maintain clarity and impact. Alternative phrases such as "to emphasize something" or "to underscore something" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. To ensure impactful writing, focus on directly and actively highlighting genuinely relevant information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to emphasize something

Focuses more on stressing the importance of the information.

to underscore something

Implies drawing attention to a less obvious but important detail.

to call attention to something

Directly aims to make someone notice a specific aspect.

to draw attention to something

Similar to calling attention, but with a gentler approach.

to point out something

Focuses on bringing a specific fact or detail to someone's awareness.

to bring to the forefront

Suggests moving something from the background to a position of prominence.

to spotlight something

Emphasizes making something very visible or noticeable.

to accentuate something

Implies enhancing or intensifying a particular aspect.

to stress something

Similar to emphasize but can imply a sense of urgency or importance.

to feature something

Implies showcasing or presenting something prominently.

FAQs

How can I use "to highlight something" in a sentence?

You can use "to highlight something" to introduce a crucial point or detail. For example, "I want to use this presentation "to highlight something" important about our progress".

What are some alternatives to "to highlight something"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "to emphasize something", "to underscore something", or "to call attention to something", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "highlight" or "emphasize"?

"Highlight" suggests bringing attention to something, while "emphasize" suggests stressing its importance. The best choice depends on whether you want to draw attention or stress significance. For example, you can to emphasize something.

What does it mean "to highlight something"?

The phrase "to highlight something" means to draw attention to a particular detail, fact, or aspect. It suggests making something more noticeable or prominent in a given context.