Cool MateCertain things should be pointed out vs Highlight
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Certain things should be pointed out
Highlight
| Certain things should be pointed out | Highlight | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈsɜːtən θɪŋz ʃəd bi ˈpɔɪntɪd aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈsɜrtən θɪŋz ʃəd bi ˈpɔɪntɪd aʊt// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈhaɪlaɪt/","/ˈhaɪlaɪts/","/ˈhaɪlaɪtɪd/","/ˈhaɪlaɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhaɪlaɪt/","/ˈhaɪlaɪts/","/ˈhaɪlaɪtɪd/","/ˈhaɪlaɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Some things need to be mentioned. | To make something stand out or more important. |
| Example | The manager said that certain things should be pointed out during the meeting. | The teacher asked us to highlight the important points in the text. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | point out importance, point out mistakes, point out details, point out discrepancies | clearly, dramatically, graphically, serve to |
| Antonyms | - | diminish, ignore, downplay |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'pointing out' as a physical action., Using it inappropriately in casual contexts where other phrases may be simpler. | 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'. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to highlight important information. It's appropriate in formal and informal contexts. | Used in contexts like presentations and studies. Generally avoids overly casual settings. In formal writing, use sparingly to maintain tone. |
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Frequently asked questions: Certain things should be pointed out vs Highlight
What's the difference between Certain things should be pointed out and Highlight?
Certain things should be pointed out: Some things need to be mentioned. Highlight: To make something stand out or more important.
Which is more common: Certain things should be pointed out and Highlight?
Highlight is the most common in everyday English.
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. Highlight: The teacher asked us to highlight the important points in the text.
Can I use Certain things should be pointed out and Highlight interchangeably?
Not always. Certain things should be pointed out and Highlight 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.