under the spotlight

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the spotlight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation where someone is being focused on or examined closely. For example: "The mayor's controversial decision was put under the spotlight during the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Put it under the spotlight.

The Guardian - Opinion

Madrid also came under the spotlight.

The Guardian - Business

Peer review is also under the spotlight.

The Guardian

Nasa's budget is under the spotlight.

The Guardian

How many MPs are under the spotlight?

The Guardian

THE big credit-rating agencies are under the spotlight again.

The Economist

You came into the league under the spotlight.

The New York Times - Sports

Its fiscal privileges have been put under the spotlight.

The New York Times

Mirant, another big trader, is also under the spotlight.

The Economist

At times he gets put under the spotlight".

The New York Times - Sports

Now it is France's turn under the spotlight.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the spotlight" to convey that a person, issue, or situation is receiving significant public or critical attention. Ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the observing.

Common error

Avoid using "under the spotlight" when there's no clear indication of who is scrutinizing or observing. For instance, instead of saying "Mistakes were under the spotlight", specify "The auditor put the mistakes under the spotlight."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the spotlight" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. As Ludwig AI points out, it signifies a state of being intensely scrutinized or observed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under the spotlight" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of intense scrutiny or attention. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's versatile, appearing frequently in news, media, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "in the public eye" or "subject to scrutiny" exist, "under the spotlight" specifically conveys the idea of being closely observed, often critically. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the observing. Overall, it's a reliable phrase to indicate something is receiving significant focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being scrutinized

Highlights the critical and detailed examination.

subject to scrutiny

Emphasizes the act of being examined closely, often critically.

in the limelight

Similar to "under the spotlight" but leans more towards positive attention or fame.

in the public eye

Focuses on public visibility rather than scrutiny.

under close observation

Highlights the act of being watched carefully.

in focus

Implies that something is the main point of attention.

subject to examination

Focuses on a formal investigation or assessment.

being highlighted

Suggests that something is being emphasized or made prominent.

under investigation

Specifically refers to a formal inquiry, often related to legal or ethical matters.

receiving attention

A broader term indicating that something is being noticed.

FAQs

How can I use "under the spotlight" in a sentence?

Use "under the spotlight" to indicate that something or someone is receiving intense scrutiny or attention. For example, "The company's financial practices came "under the spotlight" after the scandal".

What are some alternatives to saying "under the spotlight"?

Alternatives include "in the public eye", "subject to scrutiny", or "in the limelight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "under the spotlight" or "in the spotlight"?

Both "under the spotlight" and "in the spotlight" are acceptable. "Under the spotlight" often implies a more critical or investigative focus, while "in the spotlight" can refer to more general attention.

What does it mean to "feel under the spotlight"?

To "feel under the spotlight" means to experience a heightened sense of self-consciousness or pressure due to being observed or judged by others. It suggests a feeling of being intensely scrutinized.