Quick Answer:
Looking for other ways to say highlights in an essay? You can use emphasizes, points out, underlines, demonstrates, or draws attention to depending on your sentence and writing style.
The word highlights is often used in essays to show that something is important, noticeable, or worth paying attention to. For example, you might write that research highlights a problem, an author highlights an important idea, or an example highlights a key difference.
Learning alternatives to other ways to say highlights in an essay can make your academic writing clearer and more professional. Different words carry slightly different meanings. Some emphasize importance, while others show evidence, explain a point, or draw the reader’s attention to something specific.
Using a wider range of vocabulary also helps you avoid repetition. This is especially useful for English learners, students, and professionals who want to write stronger essays. Just as learners use different phrases to express excitement in English, academic writers need different expressions to communicate importance, analysis, and key ideas accurately.
Quick Categories
Formal Alternatives to “Highlights”
- Emphasizes
- Underlines
- Illustrates
- Demonstrates
Pro Tips Box: Use formal alternatives when writing academic essays, research papers, and analytical assignments.
Casual Alternatives
- Shows
- Points out
- Brings up
- Makes clear
Pro Tips Box: Simple alternatives such as shows work well when you want your writing to remain clear and easy to understand.
Professional Alternatives
- Draws attention to
- Indicates
- Reveals
- Stresses
Pro Tips Box: In professional and academic writing, choose a phrase that clearly explains how important information is presented.
Informal Expressions
- Calls attention to
- Brings focus to
- Makes it clear
- Puts the focus on
These informal expressions in English are useful in less formal writing, but some may not fit highly academic essays.
Pro Tips Box: Avoid overly casual expressions when writing formal academic assignments.
“The best academic word is not always the most difficult one. It is the one that expresses your meaning clearly.”
What Does “Highlights” Mean in an Essay?
In essay writing, highlights usually means to emphasize, show clearly, or draw attention to an important idea, fact, problem, or example.
The word highlights is commonly used as a verb when the subject is singular.
Example Sentence:
The article highlights the importance of mental health awareness.
You can also use highlight when the subject is plural.
Example:
The examples highlight the main problems facing the community.
When searching for other ways to say highlights in an essay, it is important to choose a synonym based on the exact meaning you want to express.
When to Use “Highlights” in an Essay
You can use highlights when:
- Explaining an important point
- Discussing research findings
- Introducing evidence
- Showing a significant problem
- Explaining the importance of an event
- Drawing attention to a key issue
- Discussing the meaning of an example
Spoken vs Written
Spoken English: Highlights is common and natural.
Written English: It is especially useful in essays, reports, articles, and academic writing.
Formal vs Informal
Formal: Yes, it is appropriate.
Informal: Yes, although simpler words like shows may sound more natural.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Highlights”?
The word highlights is polite, professional, and widely accepted in formal writing.
Polite? ✔️ Yes
Professional? ✔️ Yes
Business-style example:
The report highlights several areas where the company can improve its performance.
In academic writing, however, repeating highlights too often can weaken your style. Using different professional reaction phrases and academic verbs can make your writing more varied and precise.
“The strongest essays use repetition for emphasis, not because the writer lacks vocabulary.”
Pros and Cons of Using “Highlights”
Pros
- Simple and natural
- Clear meaning
- Common in essays
- Easy to understand
Cons
- Can become repetitive
- Sometimes too general
- May lack analytical detail
- Better alternatives may be more precise
Common Mistakes When Using “Highlights” in an Essay
1. Repeating “Highlights” Too Often
Using the same word in every paragraph can make an essay sound repetitive.
Example:
The study emphasizes the problem, while the data demonstrates its impact.
2. Using the Wrong Verb Form
Remember that highlights is used with a singular subject.
Incorrect: The results highlights the issue.
Correct: The results highlight the issue.
3. Using It Without Explaining What Is Important
Do not simply say something highlights an issue without giving details.
Weak: The article highlights education.
Better: The article highlights the importance of equal access to education.
4. Using Informal Alternatives in Formal Essays
Some phrases may sound too conversational.
Less Formal: The study really brings out the problem.
More Academic: The study clearly demonstrates the problem.
5. Choosing a Synonym With the Wrong Meaning
Not every alternative means exactly the same thing.
Example:
Demonstrates provides evidence, while emphasizes gives importance to an idea.
“Vocabulary variety works best when every word matches the exact purpose of the sentence.”
Other Ways to Say Highlights in an Essay With Examples
These alternatives will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different writing situations.
Use them according to tone, context, and audience to emphasize important ideas, present evidence, or draw attention to key points.
1. Phrase: Emphasizes
- Meaning: Gives special importance to something.
- Explanation: This is one of the best academic alternatives to highlights.
- Example Sentence: The essay emphasizes the importance of environmental protection.
- Best Use: Academic writing
- Worst Use: Casual conversation
- Tone: Formal, clear, academic
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
2. Phrase: Demonstrates
- Meaning: Shows something clearly through evidence or examples.
- Explanation: Use it when facts or evidence support your point.
- Example Sentence: The research demonstrates the effects of climate change.
- Best Use: Evidence analysis
- Worst Use: Personal opinions
- Tone: Formal, analytical, strong
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
3. Phrase: Illustrates
- Meaning: Explains or shows something through an example.
- Explanation: It is useful when discussing examples, situations, or evidence.
- Example Sentence: This example illustrates the importance of effective communication.
- Best Use: Essay examples
- Worst Use: Simple statements
- Tone: Academic, clear, formal
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
4. Phrase: Underscores
- Meaning: Gives strong importance to something.
- Explanation: It is a formal and powerful alternative in academic writing.
- Example Sentence: The findings underscore the need for immediate action.
- Best Use: Strong arguments
- Worst Use: Casual writing
- Tone: Formal, serious, strong
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
5. Phrase: Draws Attention To
- Meaning: Makes people notice something important.
- Explanation: Use it when directing focus toward an issue or idea.
- Example Sentence: The article draws attention to the growing problem of pollution.
- Best Use: Important issues
- Worst Use: Very short sentences
- Tone: Neutral, professional, clear
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, spoken
6. Phrase: Shows
- Meaning: Makes something clear.
- Explanation: It is simple and useful when you do not need a highly formal verb.
- Example Sentence: The evidence shows that the policy was ineffective.
- Best Use: Clear explanations
- Worst Use: Highly formal analysis
- Tone: Simple, neutral, natural
- Context Variability: Casual, academic, professional
7. Phrase: Indicates
- Meaning: Suggests or shows information.
- Explanation: It is useful when evidence points toward a conclusion.
- Example Sentence: The results indicate a significant improvement.
- Best Use: Research findings
- Worst Use: Emotional writing
- Tone: Formal, neutral, analytical
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
8. Phrase: Reveals
- Meaning: Shows something that was previously unclear.
- Explanation: Use it when information uncovers an important fact.
- Example Sentence: The survey reveals a major difference in public opinion.
- Best Use: Research findings
- Worst Use: Unsupported claims
- Tone: Clear, formal, interesting
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
9. Phrase: Points Out
- Meaning: Directs attention to something.
- Explanation: It is useful in essays but slightly less formal than emphasizes.
- Example Sentence: The author points out several weaknesses in the system.
- Best Use: Text analysis
- Worst Use: Highly formal research
- Tone: Neutral, clear, natural
- Context Variability: Academic, spoken, professional
10. Phrase: Brings Attention To
- Meaning: Makes something noticeable or important.
- Explanation: It focuses the reader’s attention on a subject.
- Example Sentence: The essay brings attention to the challenges faced by young workers.
- Best Use: Social issues
- Worst Use: Scientific evidence
- Tone: Neutral, professional, clear
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
11. Phrase: Makes Clear
- Meaning: Explains something in an understandable way.
- Explanation: It is useful for showing that evidence supports a clear conclusion.
- Example Sentence: The data makes clear that immediate action is necessary.
- Best Use: Clear conclusions
- Worst Use: Highly technical writing
- Tone: Direct, neutral, clear
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, spoken
12. Phrase: Reinforces
- Meaning: Makes an existing idea or argument stronger.
- Explanation: Use it when evidence supports something already discussed.
- Example Sentence: The new evidence reinforces the author’s main argument.
- Best Use: Supporting arguments
- Worst Use: Introducing topics
- Tone: Formal, analytical, strong
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
13. Phrase: Identifies
- Meaning: Recognizes or clearly names something.
- Explanation: It is useful when discussing problems, causes, or important factors.
- Example Sentence: The report identifies several causes of the economic crisis.
- Best Use: Research analysis
- Worst Use: Emotional writing
- Tone: Professional, formal, precise
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
14. Phrase: Focuses On
- Meaning: Gives attention to a particular subject.
- Explanation: It is useful when describing the main subject of an essay or study.
- Example Sentence: The article focuses on the effects of social media.
- Best Use: Topic descriptions
- Worst Use: Strong conclusions
- Tone: Neutral, clear, academic
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, spoken
15. Phrase: Brings Out
- Meaning: Makes an important quality or fact easier to notice.
- Explanation: It is more natural in general writing than highly formal essays.
- Example Sentence: The example brings out the importance of teamwork.
- Best Use: General writing
- Worst Use: Formal research
- Tone: Natural, conversational, clear
- Context Variability: Casual, spoken, written
16. Phrase: Calls Attention To
- Meaning: Directs focus toward something important.
- Explanation: It works well when discussing problems or concerns.
- Example Sentence: The report calls attention to serious safety concerns.
- Best Use: Important concerns
- Worst Use: Very casual writing
- Tone: Professional, serious, clear
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
17. Phrase: Stresses
- Meaning: Gives strong importance to an idea.
- Explanation: It is a useful synonym when discussing arguments or opinions.
- Example Sentence: The author stresses the importance of education.
- Best Use: Main arguments
- Worst Use: Technical data
- Tone: Formal, direct, strong
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, spoken
18. Phrase: Spotlights
- Meaning: Gives special attention to something.
- Explanation: It creates a strong sense of focus but can sound slightly less academic.
- Example Sentence: The article spotlights the challenges faced by small businesses.
- Best Use: Articles, reports
- Worst Use: Formal research
- Tone: Modern, strong, engaging
- Context Variability: Professional, written
19. Phrase: Brings to Light
- Meaning: Reveals something important that was not widely known.
- Explanation: Use it when discussing discoveries or hidden problems.
- Example Sentence: The investigation brings to light several serious concerns.
- Best Use: Investigations
- Worst Use: Basic explanations
- Tone: Formal, serious, expressive
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
20. Phrase: Makes Something Stand Out
- Meaning: Makes something more noticeable.
- Explanation: It is useful in general writing but less formal.
- Example Sentence: The comparison makes the main difference stand out clearly.
- Best Use: General explanations
- Worst Use: Formal research
- Tone: Natural, informal, clear
- Context Variability: Casual, spoken, written
21. Phrase: Underlines
- Meaning: Gives special importance to something.
- Explanation: It is a strong formal alternative to emphasizes.
- Example Sentence: The evidence underlines the importance of public awareness.
- Best Use: Academic arguments
- Worst Use: Casual messages
- Tone: Formal, strong, academic
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
22. Phrase: Presents
- Meaning: Introduces information or ideas clearly.
- Explanation: It is useful when describing what a study or essay provides.
- Example Sentence: The article presents several solutions to the problem.
- Best Use: Research writing
- Worst Use: Emotional statements
- Tone: Neutral, formal, professional
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
23. Phrase: Exposes
- Meaning: Reveals a hidden problem or truth.
- Explanation: It is stronger and more negative than highlights.
- Example Sentence: The report exposes serious weaknesses in the system.
- Best Use: Negative findings
- Worst Use: Neutral topics
- Tone: Strong, serious, critical
- Context Variability: Professional, academic, written
24. Phrase: Clarifies
- Meaning: Makes something easier to understand.
- Explanation: Use it when an example or explanation removes confusion.
- Example Sentence: The final paragraph clarifies the author’s position.
- Best Use: Explanations
- Worst Use: Strong criticism
- Tone: Clear, formal, helpful
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
25. Phrase: Supports
- Meaning: Provides evidence for an idea or argument.
- Explanation: It is useful when discussing facts that strengthen a claim.
- Example Sentence: The statistics support the main argument of the essay.
- Best Use: Evidence discussion
- Worst Use: Topic introductions
- Tone: Academic, neutral, clear
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
26. Phrase: Gives Importance To
- Meaning: Treats something as significant.
- Explanation: It is understandable but less natural than emphasizes.
- Example Sentence: The essay gives importance to the role of family support.
- Best Use: Simple writing
- Worst Use: Advanced academic essays
- Tone: Simple, neutral, clear
- Context Variability: General, spoken, written
27. Phrase: Puts the Focus On
- Meaning: Directs attention toward a particular subject.
- Explanation: It is useful when discussing the main subject of a text.
- Example Sentence: The article puts the focus on long-term environmental solutions.
- Best Use: General analysis
- Worst Use: Formal research papers
- Tone: Natural, neutral, clear
- Context Variability: Casual, professional, spoken
28. Phrase: Establishes
- Meaning: Shows something clearly enough to be accepted as true.
- Explanation: Use it when strong evidence proves an important point.
- Example Sentence: The research establishes a clear connection between diet and health.
- Best Use: Strong evidence
- Worst Use: Personal opinions
- Tone: Formal, academic, confident
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
29. Phrase: Signals
- Meaning: Suggests that something important is happening.
- Explanation: It is useful when discussing changes, trends, or warnings.
- Example Sentence: The increase in prices signals a possible economic problem.
- Best Use: Trends, warnings
- Worst Use: Simple descriptions
- Tone: Professional, analytical, modern
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
30. Phrase: Draws Focus To
- Meaning: Directs attention toward something important.
- Explanation: It is a clear alternative for essays and professional writing.
- Example Sentence: The conclusion draws focus to the need for further research.
- Best Use: Essay conclusions
- Worst Use: Casual messages
- Tone: Professional, clear, formal
- Context Variability: Academic, professional, written
“The best word is not always the most advanced one. It is the one that clearly communicates your exact meaning.”
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasizes | Formal, academic | Important ideas |
| Demonstrates | Analytical, strong | Evidence |
| Illustrates | Academic, clear | Examples |
| Underscores | Formal, serious | Strong arguments |
| Draws attention to | Professional, neutral | Important issues |
| Indicates | Analytical, formal | Research findings |
| Reveals | Clear, formal | Discoveries |
| Reinforces | Academic, strong | Supporting arguments |
| Identifies | Professional, precise | Problems and causes |
| Stresses | Formal, direct | Main points |
See Also
- See also: Read our Other Ways to Say Important in an Essay guide to improve your academic vocabulary and avoid repetition.
- See also: Explore our Professional English Writing Guide for stronger vocabulary, better sentence structure, and more confident formal communication.
Mini Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
1. Which word is best when evidence clearly proves an argument?
A. Brings out
B. Demonstrates
C. Puts the focus on
D. Good
Answer: B. Demonstrates
2. Which alternative is best for giving special importance to an idea?
A. Emphasizes
B. Hides
C. Ignores
D. Avoids
Answer: A. Emphasizes
3. Which phrase is most suitable for describing hidden information becoming known?
A. Shows
B. Reveals
C. Focuses on
D. Supports
Answer: B. Reveals
4. Which alternative is most appropriate for a formal academic essay?
A. Makes something stand out
B. Brings out
C. Underscores
D. Really shows
Answer: C. Underscores
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best other ways to say highlights in an essay?
The best alternatives include emphasizes, demonstrates, illustrates, underscores, indicates, and draws attention to.
What is a formal synonym for highlights?
Emphasizes, underscores, demonstrates, and illustrates are strong formal alternatives for essays.
Can I use emphasizes instead of highlights?
Yes. Emphasizes is often a stronger academic alternative when you want to show that an idea is especially important.
Is demonstrates better than highlights in an essay?
It depends on the meaning. Use demonstrates when evidence clearly shows or proves something. Use highlights when you simply want to draw attention to something important.
How can I avoid repeating highlights in an essay?
Use different alternatives based on your meaning. Choose illustrates for examples, demonstrates for evidence, emphasizes for importance, and reveals for discoveries.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say highlights in an essay can make your writing more varied, precise, and professional. Instead of repeating the same verb, you can choose alternatives that better explain whether you are presenting evidence, emphasizing an idea, or drawing attention to an important issue.
Practice these alternatives in your essays and academic assignments. The more you understand tone and context, the easier it becomes to choose vocabulary that makes your writing clear, natural, and confident.
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