can be underestimated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be underestimated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is often not given enough credit or value, implying that its true significance is greater than perceived. Example: "The impact of small businesses on the economy can be underestimated, despite their contributions to job creation and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both promise and threat can be underestimated.

The Guardian

"I don't think that can be underestimated.

The New York Times

But I also feel what happens after the explosion can be underestimated.

The Guardian - Music

So no one can be underestimated, none of the four teams.

The Guardian - Sport

However "the significance of this award can be underestimated", he added.

The Guardian - Books

The euro zone's debt crisis has shown that risks even in long-established instruments like government bonds can be underestimated.

The Economist

Like Cream, Ahmad Jamal's trio is an influential outfit, hugely successful in its time, whose place in history can be underestimated.

The Guardian - Music

There are also a lot of costs such as integrating IT systems, rebranding and employee/volunteer relations that can be underestimated.

The Guardian

Thus, bacterial counts can be underestimated.

Livestock Science

These by-products are frequently not identified and therefore the consequences of chlorination can be underestimated.

Water Research

Without considering the line pack, the energy adequacy can be underestimated and a more expensive operation would result.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be underestimated", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being undervalued and why it deserves more attention. Provide specific examples or evidence to support your claim.

Common error

While "can be underestimated" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound weak or unclear. Consider whether an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be underestimated" functions as a passive construction indicating that something has the potential to be valued less than its actual worth. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be underestimated" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize that something's true value, significance, or impact is often not fully appreciated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is common in both scientific and journalistic contexts. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly defines what is being undervalued and why it deserves greater attention. By avoiding overuse of the passive voice and providing supporting evidence, you can strengthen your argument and encourage a more thorough consideration of the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be undervalued

Focuses on the lack of perceived worth or importance.

can be underrated

Highlights a discrepancy between actual quality and perceived quality.

can be overlooked

Emphasizes the potential for something to be missed or ignored.

can be minimized

Suggests that the significance is actively reduced or downplayed.

can be downplayed

Implies a deliberate attempt to reduce the apparent importance.

can be trivialized

Indicates that something is made to seem less important than it is.

can be misjudged

Highlights a potential for incorrect assessment or evaluation.

can be dismissed

Implies a rejection or disregard of something important.

can be disregarded

Focuses on the act of ignoring or neglecting something important.

can be misconceived

Suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of its nature or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "can be underestimated" in a sentence?

Use "can be underestimated" to suggest that the true value, impact, or extent of something is greater than generally perceived. For example, "The long-term effects of climate change "can be underestimated" if we only focus on immediate economic costs."

What is a synonym for "can be underestimated"?

Synonyms include "can be undervalued", "can be overlooked", or "can be misjudged". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "can be underestimated" or "is underestimated"?

"Can be underestimated" implies a potential for underestimation, while "is underestimated" asserts that it's currently happening. The better choice depends on whether you're highlighting a possibility or stating a fact.

When is it inappropriate to use "can be underestimated"?

Avoid using "can be underestimated" when you lack evidence to support the claim that something is, in fact, undervalued. Also, ensure the context makes clear what is being underestimated and why it matters.