Cool MateCertain things should be pointed out vs Emphasize vs Highlight vs Indicate vs Mention
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Certain things should be pointed out
Emphasize
Highlight
Indicate
Mention
| Certain things should be pointed out | Emphasize | Highlight | Indicate | Mention | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmenʃn/","/ˈmenʃnz/","/ˈmenʃnd/","/ˈmenʃənɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmenʃn/","/ˈmenʃnz/","/ˈmenʃnd/","/ˈmenʃənɪŋ/"]/ |
| 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 | To talk about something briefly. |
| 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. | Please mention your favorite books in the discussion. |
| 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 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | verb | verb | |
| 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 | already, earlier, just, not bother to, fail to, forget to, as, in, in connection with, avoid mentioning somebody/something, be worth mentioning something, mentioned above |
| Antonyms | - | downplay, ignore, minimize | diminish, ignore, downplay | hide, ignore, conceal | ignore, overlook, disregard |
| 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 | Using it without specifying the object, e.g., 'I mention' instead of 'I mention the topic.', Confusing 'mention' with 'tell' when it comes to conveying information., Using 'mention' in contexts where 'suggest' or 'advise' would be more appropriate. |
| 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. | Used in both spoken and written contexts. It can be used formally or informally. Be careful not to confuse it with 'discuss' which implies a deeper conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Certain things should be pointed out vs Emphasize vs Highlight vs Indicate vs Mention
What's the difference between Certain things should be pointed out, Emphasize, Highlight, Indicate, and Mention?
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 Mention: To talk about something briefly.
Which is more advanced: Certain things should be pointed out, Emphasize, Highlight, Indicate, and Mention?
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. Mention: Please mention your favorite books in the discussion.
Can I use Certain things should be pointed out, Emphasize, Highlight, Indicate, and Mention interchangeably?
Not always. Certain things should be pointed out, Emphasize, Highlight, Indicate, and Mention 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.