What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emphasising
Example
I want to emphasise the importance of punctuality in this workplace. [emphasise: verb]
Example
The teacher emphasised the need for students to study hard for their exams. [emphasised: past tense]
highlighting
Example
The brochure highlights the key features of the new product. [highlights: verb]
Example
The presentation highlighted the company's achievements over the past year. [highlighted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Highlighting is more commonly used than emphasising in everyday language. Highlighting is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while emphasising is less common and is typically used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emphasising and highlighting?
Emphasising is generally considered more formal than highlighting. It is often used in academic or professional contexts to stress the importance of a point or idea. Highlighting, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.