I want to underscore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I want to underscore" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a particular point or idea in your writing. Example: "In this discussion, I want to underscore the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But I want to underscore this: wars don't go the way people think they will.

The New Yorker

"I want to underscore again that the utmost care must be taken to preserve innocent life," she said.

The Guardian

Today, though, I want to underscore an important lesson that we have learned: It really is important to avoid wasting time reinventing the wheel.

The New York Times

So I want to underscore, before we move on to the next issue, which is post-Saddam Iraq, that much will depend on the war itself.

The New Yorker

Each country will decide on their own what they would like to sign on to and what they would like to do, but I want to underscore they're our very close counterterrorism partner".

Independent

MR. ROMNEY: Well, first of all, I — I want to underscore the — the same point the president made, which is that if I'm president of the United States, when I'm president of the United States, we will stand with Israel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Well, again, I wanted to underscore the claim that pro-choice laws respect individual differences, including the views of pro-life Americans.

The New Yorker

I was looking around for quotes related to billionaires — since all of the main characters fit that description many times over and I wanted to underscore the eye-popping wealth this industry has created.

The New York Times

While the aggregated, critical response seems to be something like "Not The Worst," I wanted to underscore something specific I haven't read much about.

Huffington Post

Tim Geithner: Yeah, that's what I'm coming to, and I want to, and I really want to underscore this.

Huffington Post

So I also want to underscore that while investigators are gathering additional evidence on the ground, our understanding of what has already happened in Syria is grounded in facts, informed by conscience and guided by common sense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I want to underscore" when you need to clearly signal that you are about to emphasize a critical point. Ensure the statement that follows is indeed the most important takeaway for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "I want to underscore" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like 'I want to point out' or 'It's important to remember'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I want to underscore" is to serve as an introductory phrase. It's designed to signal to the audience that the speaker or writer is about to emphasize a key point or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and effective for emphasis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I want to underscore" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize a crucial point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is effective in drawing attention to key information across various professional and public contexts. While most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, it's important to use it judiciously in more casual contexts to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives like "I want to emphasize" or "I would like to highlight" can provide similar emphasis with slightly different tones. Remember to use this phrase strategically when clarity and emphasis are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I wish to emphasize

Uses a more formal verb choice, 'emphasize', and 'wish' instead of 'want'.

I would like to highlight

Replaces 'underscore' with 'highlight' and 'want' with 'would like', softening the tone.

I aim to underscore

Replaces 'want' with 'aim', suggesting a more deliberate intention.

I intend to stress

Substitutes 'underscore' with 'stress', indicating a forceful emphasis.

Let me emphasize

Uses a more direct and assertive tone.

I must emphasize

Conveys a stronger sense of necessity in highlighting the point.

It is important to me to emphasize

Shifts the focus to the speaker's feelings about the importance of the point.

I'm compelled to highlight

Uses 'compelled' and 'highlight' instead of 'want' and 'underscore', conveying a sense of necessity.

I feel compelled to underscore

Indicates a sense of obligation to emphasize the point.

I need to point out

Focuses on bringing something to someone's attention rather than emphasizing it.

FAQs

How can I use "I want to underscore" in a sentence?

Use "I want to underscore" to introduce a crucial point. For example, "I want to underscore the importance of thorough research before making any decisions."

What are some alternatives to "I want to underscore"?

You can use alternatives like "I want to emphasize", "I would like to highlight", or "I intend to stress" depending on the context.

Is "I want to underscore" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "I want to underscore" is suitable for formal writing. It's often used in reports, presentations, and academic papers to highlight key points.

When should I avoid using "I want to underscore"?

Avoid using "I want to underscore" in very informal settings or casual conversations, as it might sound overly formal. Simpler phrases may be more appropriate.