Cool MateCertain things should be pointed out vs Emphasize vs Highlight vs Indicate vs Note
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Certain things should be pointed out
Top 3,000 (common)
Emphasize
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Highlight
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Indicate
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Note
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
| Certain things should be pointed out | Emphasize | Highlight | Indicate | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈsɜːtən θɪŋz ʃəd bi ˈpɔɪntɪd aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈsɜrtən θɪŋz ʃəd bi ˈpɔɪntɪd aʊt// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈemfəsaɪz/","/ˈemfəsaɪzɪz/","/ˈemfəsaɪzd/","/ˈemfəsaɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈemfəsaɪz/","/ˈemfəsaɪzɪz/","/ˈemfəsaɪzd/","/ˈemfəsaɪzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈhaɪlaɪt/","/ˈhaɪlaɪts/","/ˈhaɪlaɪtɪd/","/ˈhaɪlaɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhaɪlaɪt/","/ˈhaɪlaɪts/","/ˈhaɪlaɪtɪd/","/ˈhaɪlaɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/nəʊt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/nəʊt/"]/ |
| Meaning | Some things need to be mentioned. | To make something more important or noticeable. | To make something stand out or more important. | to show or point out something | A piece of writing, usually short. |
| Example | The manager said that certain things should be pointed out during the meeting. | I want to emphasize the importance of studying regularly. | The teacher asked us to highlight the important points in the text. | Please indicate your choice on the ballot. | I left a note on the fridge for you. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 | B1 | B1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | verb | noun | |
| Collocations | point out importance, point out mistakes, point out details, point out discrepancies | clearly, heavily, strongly, must, should, be important to | clearly, dramatically, graphically, serve to | clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise, clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise | brief, copious, detailed, jot down, keep, make, note of, note on, make a mental note (of something/to do something), brief, little, quick, scribble (somebody), write (somebody), send (somebody), a note of thanks, brief, copious, detailed, jot down, keep, make, note of, note on, make a mental note (of something/to do something), detailed, extensive, explanatory, detailed, extensive, explanatory, five-pound, ten-euro, etc., bundle, roll, wad, high, top, low, play, sing, hit, brighter, cheerful, happier, hit, sound, strike, creep into somebody’s voice, enter somebody’s voice, note of, a note in somebody’s voice |
| Antonyms | - | downplay, ignore, minimize | diminish, ignore, downplay | hide, ignore, conceal | forget, ignore |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'pointing out' as a physical action., Using it inappropriately in casual contexts where other phrases may be simpler. | Confused with 'emphasis' – remember 'emphasize' is a verb, while 'emphasis' is a noun., Using 'emphasize' when a simpler word like 'stress' fits better., Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'I will emphasize' without specifying what. | Confused with 'understate' — often used in opposite contexts., Misused as a noun — some learners may incorrectly use it as 'the highlight of my life'., Saying 'highlighting of' instead of 'highlighting'. | Confused with 'indicate' vs 'demonstrate', Using 'indicate' with subject without an object, Misplacing the verb tense, e.g., 'indicated' when now is meant | Confused with 'notate', which is more about musical or formal notation., Using 'note' as a verb incorrectly in some contexts., Overusing in contexts where 'memo' or 'message' would be clearer. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to highlight important information. It's appropriate in formal and informal contexts. | Use 'emphasize' when you want to highlight something important. It's suitable for both spoken and written English, but avoid overusing it in casual conversation. | Used in contexts like presentations and studies. Generally avoids overly casual settings. In formal writing, use sparingly to maintain tone. | Commonly used in both written and spoken English. Appropriate in formal and academic contexts; less frequent in casual conversations. Not typically used when giving direct orders. | Use 'note' when writing something down to remember or inform. It's more neutral than casual terms like 'jot down'. Avoid it in very formal reports. |
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Frequently asked questions: Certain things should be pointed out vs Emphasize vs Highlight vs Indicate vs Note
What's the difference between Certain things should be pointed out, Emphasize, Highlight, Indicate, and Note?
Certain things should be pointed out: Some things need to be mentioned. Emphasize: To make something more important or noticeable. Highlight: To make something stand out or more important. Indicate: to show or point out something Note: A piece of writing, usually short.
Which is more advanced: Certain things should be pointed out, Emphasize, Highlight, Indicate, and Note?
Emphasize is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Certain things should be pointed out: The manager said that certain things should be pointed out during the meeting. Emphasize: I want to emphasize the importance of studying regularly. Highlight: The teacher asked us to highlight the important points in the text. Indicate: Please indicate your choice on the ballot. Note: I left a note on the fridge for you.
Can I use Certain things should be pointed out, Emphasize, Highlight, Indicate, and Note interchangeably?
Not always. Certain things should be pointed out, Emphasize, Highlight, Indicate, and Note are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.