HTML Level 1 and 2 Manual

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Element Index > Phrase Markup

<EM> Element

Category: Phrase Markup
Period: HTML 2.0
Status: core

Description

Marks emphasized text.

Syntax

<EM>emphasized words</EM>

Attributes

None.

Usage Guidelines

• Use EM when stress changes the meaning of the sentence.
• Do not use merely because you want italics.
• Nested emphasis may not render differently in some browsers.
• Use plain prose first; emphasis should remain occasional.

Common Mistakes

• Overusing EM makes a page shout silently.

Example Code

<P>You must <EM>not</EM> put visible text in HEAD.

Authoring Note

Write the document first, then test it in a graphical browser and a text browser. The page should remain understandable if images fail, colours are ignored, or the browser uses its own fonts.

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