HTML <em> Tag Tutorial - Usage, Syntax,
Attributes and Example

calender-iconPublished: 15 May 2025

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INTRODUCTION

The HTML <em> element is used for text having stress emphasis compared to surrounding text. It is mostly used for a word or few words in sentence (similar to exclamation mark).

This text is shown by browser in italic style. A person or software reading the text would apply verbal stress to the words enclosed in <em> tags, pronouncing them with added emphasis.

Syntax: 
<em> - TEXT - </em>

Example: 

<p>  
 <em>Wow!</em> That painting is so beautiful 
</p>

Output:

Wow! That painting is so beautiful.



NOTE

The <em> element should not be used to merely italicise text. You can use font-style property with value set to italic (font-family: italic;) for this purpose.



Tag Omission

The HTML <em> element must have both start tag and end tag.

ATTRIBUTES

The <em> element only has global attributes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Difference Between HTML em Tag and HTML i tag?
The em element is used for text having stress emphasis in tone. While the i element is used for text which is made look different from normal text for special words like idiomatic text taxonomic designations, technical terms, Transliterations, Thoughts and ship or vessel name. It is not used for stress emphasis in tone.

What is the purpose of the <em> tag in HTML?
The <em> tag is used to indicate stress emphasis on its contents, affecting the meaning of the sentence. Visually, it often renders text in italics.

How does the <em> tag differ from the <strong> tag?
The <em> tag indicates stress emphasis on a word or phrase. The text is shown by browser as Italicized.

The <strong> tag indicates strong importance or urgency. It Suggests the text is critical or significant. The text is shown by browser as Bold

Can the <em> tag be nested, and what is the effect?
Yes, the <em> tag can be nested to indicate increased levels of emphasis. Each level of nesting represents a greater degree of stress.
For example: <p>This is <em>very <em>important</em> information.</em></p>
In this case, "important" has a higher emphasis than "very."

can I put <em> tag inside <strong> tag?
Yes, you can put an <em> tag inside a <strong> tag in HTML — and it’s perfectly valid. The <strong> tag conveys importance (displayed bold) while <em> tag conveys emphasis (displayed italic). Nesting them is allowed and often makes sense semantically and visually.