undue prominence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undue prominence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where something is given excessive attention or importance, often in a context where it is not warranted. Example: "The report criticized the advertisement for giving undue prominence to the product's minor features while downplaying its significant drawbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

There are also restrictions on undue prominence and editorial justification.

The Guardian

He also accused the media of giving undue prominence to the story.

The Guardian

It said that he had been "made very aware of the issues relating to undue prominence.

The Guardian

"The hiring and use of the car is in accordance with the BBC's editorial guidelines and protocols around undue prominence".

The Guardian

Instead, it gave undue prominence to mavericks, resulting in free publicity for the likes of Boris Johnson and Donald Trump.

The Guardian - Opinion

The trust has also barred the BBC from giving brands "undue prominence" by repeatedly mentioning them on air.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Use of the terms associated with feudum to denote the essential characteristics of the early Middle Ages has invested the fief with exaggerated prominence and placed undue emphasis on the importance of a special mode of land tenure to the detriment of other, more significant aspects of social, economic, and political life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The judge, Jed S. Rakoff, raised the case to prominence in July 2002 when he ruled that the federal death penalty law was unconstitutional because it posed an "undue risk of executing innocent people".

The New York Times

Undue influence?

The Economist

And "undue influence".

The New York Times - Books

They long for prominence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undue prominence" when you want to criticize the distribution of attention or importance, suggesting that something is being amplified beyond its actual significance.

Common error

Be mindful that using "undue prominence" often carries a critical connotation. Ensure the context supports the implication that the attention is unwarranted or disproportionate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undue prominence" functions as a noun phrase, where "undue" modifies the noun "prominence." As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something receiving excessive attention or importance. Examples show it often refers to media coverage, political issues, or product placement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undue prominence" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that describes something receiving excessive or unwarranted attention. As per Ludwig AI, it is used correctly in written English. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, this phrase serves to critique or question the level of focus on a particular subject, implying an imbalance or lack of justification. When employing "undue prominence", be aware of its critical connotation and ensure its appropriateness within the context of your writing. Alternatives such as "disproportionate emphasis" or "excessive attention" may be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overemphasis

A more concise synonym, stressing the act of emphasizing too much.

disproportionate emphasis

This alternative suggests the emphasis is out of proportion to the subject's importance.

undue weight

Highlights the inappropriate level of importance assigned.

disproportionate attention

Similar to disproportionate emphasis, but focuses on attention.

excessive attention

This phrase focuses on the overabundance of attention given.

unwarranted focus

This highlights that the focus is not justified or deserved.

excessive focus

Highlights the overabundance of focus on a particular subject.

unmerited emphasis

Stresses the lack of merit justifying the emphasis.

exaggerated importance

This suggests the importance is overstated or inflated.

undeserved spotlight

This implies the attention is not earned or merited.

FAQs

How can I use "undue prominence" in a sentence?

You can use "undue prominence" to describe situations where something receives more attention than it deserves. For example: "The media gave "undue prominence" to the celebrity's minor misstep".

What's a good alternative to "undue prominence"?

Alternatives include "disproportionate emphasis", "excessive attention", or "unwarranted focus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "undue prominence" imply?

"Undue prominence" suggests that something is being given more importance or attention than it reasonably warrants. It often carries a critical or negative connotation.

Is it better to say "undue prominence" or "undue importance"?

While both can be used, "undue prominence" typically refers to visibility or attention, whereas "undue importance" refers to the level of significance assigned. The better choice depends on the specific context.