emphasis vs emphasize

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A pair of related words: 'emphasis' is a noun meaning special importance given to something, and 'emphasize' is a verb meaning to give special importance to something.

   Grammar: 'Emphasis' is a noun and often follows 'put', 'place', or 'lay' and takes 'on'. 'Emphasize' is a transitive verb and takes a direct object.

   Patterns

   • put emphasis on something
   • place emphasis on something
   • emphasize something
   • emphasize that ...

   The teacher put emphasis on clear writing.

   The teacher emphasized clear writing.

   The report places emphasis on safety, and it emphasizes that rules must be followed.

2. 2phraseidiom

   A common learner question about which word to choose when you want to say that something is important.

   Grammar: Use the noun after 'put', 'place', or 'lay'; use the verb when you need an action word.

   Patterns

   • put emphasis on something
   • emphasize something

   If you want to talk about importance, you can say 'We put emphasis on quality' or 'We emphasize quality'.

   The phrase 'emphasis vs emphasize' is often searched by learners who are not sure which form to use.

Common combinations

put emphasis on

The school puts emphasis on reading.

place emphasis on

The company places emphasis on teamwork.

strong emphasis

There is strong emphasis on punctuality.

emphasize the importance of

Doctors emphasize the importance of sleep.

Synonyms and how they differ

stress

As a verb, 'stress' is very close to 'emphasize' and is common in speech; as a noun, 'stress' can also mean worry, so 'emphasis' is clearer for importance.

highlight

'Highlight' means to draw attention to something, often by making it stand out; 'emphasize' is more about giving importance in speech or writing.

Word family

emphatic adjective

said or done with strong force or clear importance

emphatically adverb

in a strong and clear way

Commonly confused: emphasis vs emphasize or emphasize on?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “emphasis vs emphasize”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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