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Prepositions before nouns

Using “emphasis” with prepositions

Emphasis is commonly used with on and with. Of emphasis appears mostly in formal noun phrases.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with “emphasis”

Use with emphasis to describe the manner of speaking or writing, and emphasis on to show what receives special attention. Of emphasis is uncommon except in formal expressions such as matters of emphasis.

She spoke with emphasis about safety.
The course places emphasis on communication skills.
These are areas of emphasis in the new policy.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
with emphasis

How to describe manner or style

Use with emphasis when someone speaks, writes, or acts forcefully.

He repeated the warning with emphasis.
The teacher explained the rule with emphasis.
2
emphasis on + topic

How to show special attention

Emphasis on identifies the thing receiving focus or importance.

The programme places emphasis on teamwork.
There is strong emphasis on safety at the factory.
3
areas of emphasis

Formal institutional language

Of emphasis appears in limited formal expressions.

Research methods are key areas of emphasis.
The document lists topics of emphasis for the committee.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
with emphasis
She answered with emphasis.
in a forceful or deliberate manner
of emphasis
The report outlines several areas of emphasis.
formal phrase about focus areas
emphasis on
The company places emphasis on quality.
special attention directed toward something
emphasis in
There is emphasis in the final paragraph.
focus located within a text or section

Common mistakes

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

Using “of emphasis” as a general replacement

English normally uses emphasis on or with emphasis in everyday language.

✕ The school puts of emphasis sports. ✓ The school puts emphasis on sports.

Missing the preposition after “emphasis”

Emphasis is often followed by on before a topic.

✕ There is emphasis teamwork. ✓ There is emphasis on teamwork.

Confusing manner and topic

With emphasis describes manner, while emphasis on introduces the topic.

✕ She spoke emphasis on. ✓ She spoke with emphasis.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The professor spoke ___ emphasis during the lecture.
2. The company places emphasis ___ customer service.
3. The proposal identified key areas ___ emphasis.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “with emphasis” correct?

Yes. It means in a forceful, deliberate, or stressed manner.

When do we use “emphasis on”?

Use it to show what receives attention or importance.

Is “of emphasis” common?

No. It mainly appears in formal expressions such as areas of emphasis.

with, dignity, of, dignity "with disability" or "of disability"? "with distinction" or "of distinction"? "with friend" or "of friend"? with, of, to, between or for husband? with, of, under, for or in load? "without exception", "of exception" or "with exception"? "without notice" or "of notice"? "without warning" or "of warning"? without, with, of, in or as regard? "with partner" or "of partner"? "with smile" or "of smile"?

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