to stress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to stress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing a point or highlighting the importance of something in a discussion or argument. Example: "I want to stress the importance of meeting deadlines in our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's going to stress Americanism.

The New Yorker

My body overreacts to stress.

The New York Times

"It's nothing to stress".

The New York Times - Sports

No need to stress the players.

The New York Times - Sports

It's also directly related to stress.

The New Yorker

"He wanted to stress he's fine.

The New York Times

"You want to stress the muscles.

The New York Times

Chance to stress First One Hundred Days.

The New Yorker

Doctors put it down to stress.

Independent

Mr. Yoshioka likes to stress details.

The New York Times

"I want you to stress this point.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to stress", ensure that it clearly indicates the importance of the information you are conveying. Use it to highlight key points, especially in arguments or discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "to stress" excessively in your writing, as it can make your tone sound repetitive or overly forceful. Vary your language by using synonyms like "to emphasize", "to highlight", or "to underscore" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to stress" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It is used to indicate the act of emphasizing or highlighting a particular point, fact, or idea. As Ludwig AI indicates, the examples show it used to draw attention to important details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to stress" is a frequently used and grammatically sound infinitive phrase employed to highlight or emphasize specific points. Ludwig AI shows that its prevalence in news and media highlights its role in drawing attention to key information. While versatile, it is advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "to emphasize" or "to highlight" for stylistic variation. The phrase maintains a neutral tone, suitable for diverse professional and general communications. It’s crucial to use "to stress" intentionally, ensuring clarity and impact without overwhelming the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to emphasize

Focuses more on giving importance or prominence to something.

to highlight

Suggests bringing attention to something noticeable or important.

to underscore

Implies drawing attention to something as a basis of importance.

to accentuate

Emphasizes making something more noticeable or prominent.

to focus on

Directs attention specifically to a particular point or subject.

to give prominence to

Highlights the act of making something stand out.

to draw attention to

Implies actively making something noticeable.

to lay emphasis on

A more formal way of saying to emphasize.

to bring to the fore

Indicates bringing something into attention or prominence.

to foreground

Suggests giving something priority in terms of attention or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "to stress" to emphasize a point or highlight the importance of something. For example, "I want "to stress" the importance of meeting deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "to stress"?

Alternatives to "to stress" include "to emphasize", "to highlight", and "to underscore". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "to stress" and "to emphasize" are correct, but "to stress" often implies a sense of urgency or importance. "To emphasize" is generally more neutral.

How does the formality of "to stress" compare to its alternatives?

"To stress" is generally considered neutral in formality. Alternatives like "to underscore" might be perceived as more formal, while others such as "to highlight" are more common in everyday language.