can't be overstated

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "can't be overstated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of something. For example: The importance of exercise for a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The achievement can't be overstated.

The New York Times

That can't be overstated.

The Guardian

"The artistic value can't be overstated.

The New York Times

"So the importance of the ecosystem can't be overstated".

The New York Times - Tech

I think the simultenaity problem can't be overstated.

The Economist

That really can't be overstated enough, can it?

The Guardian - Film

And that, again, is something that can't be overstated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The power of oral feedback can't be overstated.

The Guardian

The benefits of placing our lovers on a pedestal can't be overstated.

Independent

"The show's importance to me personally and professionally can't be overstated," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

The importance of friendship for the man who wrote (and personified) "The Loner" can't be overstated.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can't be overstated" to emphasize the critical importance of a point, ensuring your audience understands its significance. However, avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

Common error

While effective for emphasis, excessive use of "can't be overstated" can dilute its impact. Use sparingly and consider alternative ways to convey importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can't be overstated" functions as a modal expression used to strongly emphasize the significance or importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its primary grammatical function is to add emphasis to a statement, indicating that the true value or impact is exceptionally high.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can't be overstated" is a powerful tool for emphasizing the significance of a point. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is predominantly found in news and media, indicating its importance across diverse topics. Alternatives include "cannot be emphasized enough" and "is of utmost importance". However, remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid overuse. Understanding when and how to employ this phrase can significantly enhance your writing by clearly communicating the importance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be emphasized enough

Replaces "can't" with "cannot" for a slightly more formal tone, and adds "enough" to further stress the importance.

is of utmost importance

Shifts from negation to a direct declaration of significance, altering the sentence structure.

is critically important

Substitutes "utmost" with "critically", emphasizing the urgency or necessity of the matter.

is supremely important

Uses "supremely" instead of "utmost", highlighting the exceptional degree of importance.

should not be underestimated

Emphasizes the potential negative consequences of not recognizing the significance.

is absolutely essential

Focuses on the necessity of something, using a more direct and affirmative statement.

holds immense significance

Highlights the significance of something, often in a more formal or academic context.

is paramount

A concise and strong declaration of supreme importance or priority.

defies exaggeration

Implies that any attempt to describe the importance would fall short.

its significance is profound

Highlights the depth and far-reaching impact of the subject's significance.

FAQs

How to use "can't be overstated" in a sentence?

Use "can't be overstated" to emphasize the importance of a particular point or fact. For example, "The importance of early detection "can't be overstated" when it comes to treating this disease."

What can I say instead of "can't be overstated"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be emphasized enough", "is of utmost importance", or "should not be underestimated", depending on the context.

Is "can not be overstated" grammatically different from "can't be overstated"?

"Can not be overstated" and "can't be overstated" have the same meaning; the latter is simply a contraction and is generally considered less formal. Both are grammatically correct.

What is the difference between "can't be overstated" and "can't be underestimated"?

"Can't be overstated" emphasizes the high level of importance, whereas "can't be underestimated" highlights the potential risks of not recognizing the importance. They emphasize different perspectives, one positive (importance) and one negative (risk).