Sign In Get Started
Prepositions after verbs

Emphasize on or emphasize by?

Standard English usually uses emphasize without a preposition. By can introduce a method, while emphasize on is often considered nonstandard.

Quick answer

How is emphasize normally used?

Use emphasize with a direct object, such as emphasize safety or emphasize that something matters. Emphasize on is widely considered nonstandard in formal English. By may appear after emphasize when introducing a method or means.

The teacher emphasized safety
She emphasized that preparation matters
The report emphasized the risks by using clear examples

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
emphasize + noun

Focusing attention on something

Emphasize usually takes a direct object without a preposition.

The guide emphasized accuracy
Managers should emphasize teamwork
2
emphasize that + clause

Stating an important point

That clauses are common after emphasize.

The doctor emphasized that rest is essential
They emphasized that deadlines were strict
3
emphasize by + method

Showing how emphasis is created

By can introduce the method used to create emphasis. It is not the object of emphasize.

The speaker emphasized the point by repeating the key phrase
The designer emphasized contrast by using darker colours

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
emphasize on
Nonstandard in many formal contexts: The lecturer emphasized on discipline.
Standard English usually omits on and says emphasized discipline.
emphasize by
She emphasized the message by speaking slowly.
By introduces the method used to create emphasis.
emphasize + object
The policy emphasizes transparency.
This is the standard and most common structure.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Adding on after emphasize

Standard English usually uses a direct object without on.

✕ They emphasized on customer service. ✓ They emphasized customer service.

Using by as the main complement

By introduces method, not the thing being emphasized.

✕ The article emphasized by clear communication. ✓ The article emphasized clear communication.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The coach emphasized ___ discipline during training.
2. She emphasized the danger ___ showing real examples.
3. The report emphasized ___ data privacy is essential.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

Is emphasize on ever acceptable?

It appears in some varieties of English, but many style guides and formal contexts prefer emphasize without on.

Can emphasize be followed by a clause?

Yes. Emphasize that plus a clause is very common.

What does by mean after emphasize?

By introduces the method used to create emphasis, such as by repeating a phrase or by using examples.

earmark-for-by-as-about, at "earn from", "earn by" or "earn in"? "ease into", "ease by" or "ease in"? "eat at", "eat with" or "eat in"? "echo in" or "echo by"? edit by, for, in, to or from? "educate in" or "educate at"? eject from, at, in, into or by? elaborate on, in, upon, by or about? "elect to" or "elect by"? elevate to, in, above, by or as? "eliminate from", "eliminate in" or "eliminate by"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account