but underscores

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but underscores" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a point or highlight an important aspect of a discussion or argument. Example: "The study presents interesting findings, but underscores the need for further research in this area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The method works, and our lack of understanding does not lessen its effect but underscores the inadequacy of our knowledge.

The Economist

It detracts from the experience but underscores Ms. Mitchell's mission to emphasize efficiency over stay-awhile service and aesthetic touches.

The New York Times

That reality doesn't diminish my admiration, but underscores it, purifies it: in his realm, Yaz applied grown-up qualities I aspired to, and still aspire to, in mine.

The New York Times - Sports

Her gentle bit of indifference not only explains her allure in France but underscores why she isn't straining for greater recognition in the United States.

The New York Times

The vote is non-binding, but underscores the anger felt by some investors at the perceived uncoupling of pay from performance.

The Economist

This is a modest distinction — the 2009 election and its brutal aftermath were a fiasco — but underscores the important point that, unlike Assad's Syria, Iran is not a totalitarian society.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It was a rare incident of violence against foreigners, but underscored the creeping rise in crime.

The New York Times

The two reports helped quell worries about another downturn but underscored a sense that relief would be elusive.

The New York Times

The Gibraltar government welcomed Mr. Straw's assurances but underscored that it, too, had a place at any negotiating table.

The New York Times

Overall, findings pointed to emerging positive findings but underscored the need for continued controlled examination of the effectiveness of Circle of Parents implemented in shelters and transitional housing.

Children and Youth Services Review

But, underscoring the chasm between Israeli and Palestinian perceptions, the Fatah representatives described Ms. Mughrabi as a courageous fighter who held a proud place in Palestinian history.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but underscores" to introduce a contrasting point that paradoxically emphasizes the importance of something else. This can add depth to your analysis and highlight subtle relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "but underscores" in cases where a simple "but" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when the contrast leads to a deeper understanding or surprising emphasis, not just a basic contradiction.

Linguistic Context

But underscores functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas while emphasizing the latter. The use of "but" indicates a contrast, and "underscores" strengthens the significance of the second part of the statement. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but underscores" is a grammatically correct conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrasting element while emphasizing a particular aspect. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in English. It is commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing, use this phrase to add depth to your analysis and highlight relationships that might otherwise be overlooked. Alternatives include "yet emphasizes" and "however highlights". Be mindful to avoid overusing it in simple contrasts, as its strength lies in emphasizing subtle and unexpected points arising from the contrast.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet emphasizes

Replaces "underscores" with "emphasizes" while retaining the contrasting "yet".

however highlights

Substitutes "but" with "however" and "underscores" with "highlights" to show contrast and emphasis.

nonetheless emphasizes

Uses "nonetheless" instead of "but" and "emphasizes" as an alternative to "underscores".

still points out

Replaces "but" with "still" and uses the phrasal verb "points out" instead of "underscores".

nevertheless stresses

Replaces "but" with "nevertheless" and "underscores" with "stresses" for similar meaning.

even so highlights

Uses "even so" to introduce the contrast and "highlights" for emphasis.

despite this emphasizes

Expresses contrast with "despite this" followed by "emphasizes".

in contrast it reveals

Emphasizes the contrast more directly, using "reveals" instead of "underscores".

conversely it stresses

Introduces a contrasting point while stressing another element.

on the other hand it accentuates

Provides a contrasting view while accentuating another feature.

FAQs

How can I use "but underscores" in a sentence?

Use "but underscores" to introduce a contrasting element that paradoxically emphasizes another aspect. For example, "The budget cuts were significant, but underscores the city's commitment to fiscal responsibility".

What are some alternatives to "but underscores"?

You can use alternatives such as "yet emphasizes", "however highlights", or "nevertheless stresses", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "but" before "underscores"?

While "but" is commonly used to introduce a contrast, other conjunctions like "yet", "however", or "nonetheless" can also effectively connect the contrasting elements. Consider which conjunction best fits the flow and emphasis of your sentence.

What is the difference between "but underscores" and simply "but highlights"?

While similar, "but underscores" suggests a more subtle and perhaps unexpected emphasis arising from the contrast, whereas "but highlights" simply points out something important. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.