Describe the four major techniques those are commonly used for emphasis in writing.

Emphasis in writing is important not only to create variety and maintain interest but also to help readers easily glean the main points from the text. The subject and associated verb in an independent clause are the elements that generally receive the most notice by readers, so that is often where you will want to make your point.

Short, snappy sentences are naturally emphatic. Though effective when used sparingly, they lose their power when overused. In order to give more meaning to your writing and to help readers understand which ideas are most important, combine short, related sentences in order to make writing smoother and to create emphasis.

Coordination and Subordination: One of the best ways to emphasize main ideas and de-emphasize less important ideas is through coordination and subordination of sentence parts.

Use Coordination for Equal Ideas: Coordination means combining sentences or sentence parts that have matching grammatical forms and connecting those using conjunctions (such as and, or, so, and but), conjunctive adverbs (such as however therefore, hence, and nevertheless), or semicolons.

Use Subordination for Unequal Ideas: Subordination means combining two related ideas that are not equal. In such cases, the more important idea is part of the main clause and the less important idea is part of the subordinate clause. Such clauses are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions (such as although, as, furthermore, unless, because, though, if and so forth). Subordinating ideas can also be set off by relative pronouns, such as that, which, and who.

Sentence Structure: In addition to using coordination and subordination, emphasis in writing can be achieved in several other ways. One of these is by parallelism. Another is by using occasional short sentences. One of the best ways to create emphasis is by using carefully chosen, powerful words. Another way is to employ judicious repetition. A fifth is through contrast. A sixth is by putting the most important words or phrases (that is, the most important points) at the end of a sentence. And finally, you can occasionally create emphasis through punctuation and typograph1cal elements.

Parallelism: Parallel structure in a sentence naturally emphasizes paired ideas or ideas listed in a series. Constructions that compare or contrast paired ideas naturally draw attention to the words that emphasize those pairs.

Short Sentences: As mentioned above, using too many short sentences causes writing to seem needlessly choppy or repetitious An occasional short sentence, however, not only helps to keep readers’ interest by staving off an overabundance of long sentences, but it is also a simple way to emphasize an idea.

Word Choice: Careful word choice is one of the best ways to emphasize main ideas or themes in your writing. Vivid, carefully placed words not only grab the reader’s attention, but they can aid in understanding, as well. Carefully choose the nouns and verbs that you use, as well as the adjectives and adverbs that describe them. In the examples below, notice the difference between the following passages that results from a few simple changes in wording.

Repetition: Use judicious repetition to emphasize an idea or main point. Though repetition can irritate if it is used overmuch, it cart be a very effective tool when used appropriately and without overkill. Repetition is particularly useful when employed in conjunction with parallel constructs. In the following example, repetition helps drive home the point the speaker is making.

Contrast: Using contrasting words or phrases is another way to emphasize particular points or ideas As with repetition, contrast is particularly effective when combined with parallelism.

End of Sentence: When we speak the emphasis naturally comes at the end of the sentence. Our voices gradually rise toward the end of the sentence before abruptly falling. Thus, when writing, a simple, effective way to emphasize main ideas and important concepts is to structure your sentence so that the words you want emphasized come at the end of the sentence.

Punctuation and Typography: Punctuation or typographic elements can be used occasionally to emphasize a word, phrase, or sentence. When overused, however, they quickly lose their emphatic power and can irritate readers. In general, the more formal the type of writing, the less such devices should be used. In most cases, other techniques such as those mentioned above are preferred.