can't overstate

USAGE SUMMARY

"can't overstate" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance or strength of something. For example: "His commitment to the cause truly can't be overstated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can't overstate it.

The New York Times - Sports

"You can't overstate its importance".

The New York Times

You can't overstate his role.

The New York Times

"I can't overstate the shock.

The Guardian - Books

I can't overstate how satisfying this is.

The New Yorker

"You can't overstate how shocking it is".

The New York Times

"But you can't overstate her importance to rock 'n' roll.

The New York Times

You can't overstate the importance of that in politics".

The New York Times

I really can't overstate how delicate china is.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

You can't really overstate the importance of smart software to Samsung's mobile strategy.

TechCrunch

"The artistic value can't be overstated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can't overstate" to convey a sense of urgency or importance without exaggerating. This expression can add weight and sincerity to your statements.

Common error

While "can't overstate" is useful, overuse can diminish its impact. Employ it judiciously for genuine emphasis, and vary your language to maintain reader engagement. Instead of saying "I can't overstate" every time, consider using "cannot emphasize enough" or "it is crucial to understand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can't overstate" functions as an intensifier, used to underscore the significance of a statement. It signals that the speaker believes the importance of something is so great that it is difficult to adequately express. Ludwig AI validates this usage, as exemplified throughout the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can't overstate" is a powerful tool for emphasizing the significance of a point. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it appears most frequently in News & Media, and its neutral register allows for broad application. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "cannot emphasize enough" in certain contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage, making it a reliable choice for adding emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot emphasize enough

Focuses on the lack of ability to stress something sufficiently.

the importance cannot be stressed enough

Passively highlights the significance of something.

it is impossible to exaggerate

Emphasizes that any level of exaggeration would still fall short of the truth.

the significance is immense

Directly states the magnitude of importance.

it is crucial to understand

Highlights the essential nature of understanding a specific point.

I must emphasize

Highlights personal need to emphasize something.

it's vital to recognize

Stresses the necessity of acknowledging something.

it's essential to appreciate

Highlights the importance of fully understanding something.

we must acknowledge

Calls for a mandatory recognition of the fact.

it merits significant attention

Highlights that something has the right to be noticed in a relevant way.

FAQs

How can I use "can't overstate" in a sentence?

Use "can't overstate" to emphasize the importance of something. For example, "I "can't overstate" how crucial regular exercise is for maintaining good health".

What can I say instead of "can't overstate"?

You can use alternatives such as "cannot emphasize enough", "it is impossible to exaggerate", or "the importance cannot be stressed enough" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "can't overstate"?

It is appropriate to use "can't overstate" when you want to strongly emphasize the significance or impact of something. Be sure the context warrants such emphasis.

Is "can't overstate" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the overall tone. In more formal contexts, alternatives like "it is crucial to understand" or "the importance cannot be stressed enough" may be more suitable.