Emphasize vs Let me make something abundantly clear

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Emphasize

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb

Let me make something abundantly clear

Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Emphasize
 EmphasizeLet me make something abundantly clear
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈemfəsaɪz/","/ˈemfəsaɪzɪz/","/ˈemfəsaɪzd/","/ˈemfəsaɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈemfəsaɪz/","/ˈemfəsaɪzɪz/","/ˈemfəsaɪzd/","/ˈemfəsaɪzɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //lɛt mi meɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ əˈbʌndəntli klɪə//🇺🇸 //lɛt mi meɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ əˈbʌndəntli klɪr//
MeaningTo make something more important or noticeable.I want to explain something very clearly.
ExampleI want to emphasize the importance of studying regularly.Let me make something abundantly clear: we will not tolerate any form of disrespect.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 3,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsclearly, heavily, strongly, must, should, be important tomake something clear, abundantly clear, let me clarify, emphasize something, stress the importance
Antonymsdownplay, ignore, minimize-
Common mistakesConfused 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.Incorrectly using 'abundantly' in a casual context., Confusing with similar phrases that don't convey the same emphasis., Using it without the appropriate context may sound overly dramatic.
Usage notesUse 'emphasize' when you want to highlight something important. It's suitable for both spoken and written English, but avoid overusing it in casual conversation.Use this phrase in conversations or writing when you want to emphasize the clarity of your point. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid it in highly casual settings.

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Let me make something abundantly clear

Frequently asked questions: Emphasize vs Let me make something abundantly clear

What's the difference between Emphasize and Let me make something abundantly clear?

Emphasize: To make something more important or noticeable. Let me make something abundantly clear: I want to explain something very clearly.

Which is more common: Emphasize and Let me make something abundantly clear?

Emphasize is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Emphasize: I want to emphasize the importance of studying regularly. Let me make something abundantly clear: Let me make something abundantly clear: we will not tolerate any form of disrespect.

Can I use Emphasize and Let me make something abundantly clear interchangeably?

Not always. Emphasize and Let me make something abundantly clear 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.

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