HTML
Module 4: Text Content and Inline Semantics
Strong Importance and Emphasis
Choose strong, em, b, and i according to meaning rather than their default appearance.
6 minute lessonBeginner to advanced
Several HTML elements can change how text appears, but they do not all mean the same thing.
strongmarks content with strong importance, seriousness, or urgency.emmarks stress emphasis that can change the meaning of a sentence.bdraws attention to text without adding importance.imarks text in an alternate voice or mood, such as a technical term or a phrase in another language.
<p><strong>Warning:</strong> Save your work before closing the editor.</p>
<p>I asked for the <em>blue</em> folder, not the green one.</p>
<p>The term <i>markup</i> describes added structure around content.</p>
<p>The product name is <b>TrailPack Mini</b>.</p>
A browser’s default bold or italic appearance is not the definition of these elements. CSS can change their appearance, but it should not change the meaning.
If a sentence introduces a new section, use a heading rather than a bold paragraph. Choose elements because they express the intended meaning. This helps screen-reader users and makes the source easier for the next developer to understand.