cannot be overstated

USAGE SUMMARY

'cannot be overstated' is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize the importance or magnitude of something. For example: The significance of this discovery for the scientific community cannot be overstated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cannot be overstated".

The New Yorker

"Their partnership cannot be overstated".

The Guardian

Its beauty cannot be overstated.

The New York Times

That popularity cannot be overstated.

The New Yorker

The significance cannot be overstated, he added.

The New York Times

The significance of Shiloh cannot be overstated.

The New York Times

And China's importance cannot be overstated.

The New York Times

To them, Docherty's influence cannot be overstated.

Harvard University

His _______ cannot be overstated, they say.

The New York Times

The value of support cannot be overstated.

Harvard Business Review

The impact cannot be overstated," Daley said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "cannot be overstated", provide specific details or examples to support the claim and enhance the impact on your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be overstated" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for truly critical points to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be overstated" functions as an intensifier, used to emphasize the significance, importance, or magnitude of a particular point. As Ludwig confirms, it serves to highlight aspects that are crucial and should not be underestimated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

19%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be overstated" is a versatile intensifier used to emphasize the importance of a statement, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science, highlights its reliability. While alternatives exist to subtly shift emphasis, "cannot be overstated" remains a powerful tool for preventing underestimation. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Ludwig's examples showcase its wide application, solidifying its place in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is of utmost importance

Replaces "cannot be overstated" with a more direct declaration of importance.

is critically important

Emphasizes the critical nature of something, differing slightly in tone.

is supremely important

Highlights the extreme importance, differing by using "supremely".

is absolutely essential

Focuses on the essential nature, differing in the specific attribute emphasized.

is paramount

Uses a single word to convey supreme importance.

is of great significance

Emphasizes the significance rather than direct overstatement.

holds immense value

Shifts focus to the value held rather than a need to emphasize.

is not to be underestimated

Uses a double negative to express importance, providing a different perspective.

is exceedingly relevant

Highlights relevance rather than general importance.

bears exceptional weight

Emphasizes the weight or influence something carries.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "cannot be overstated" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be overstated" to emphasize the exceptional importance or impact of a particular fact or situation. It should highlight something crucial that might otherwise be underestimated.

What are some alternatives to "cannot be overstated"?

You can use alternatives like "is of utmost importance", "is critically important", or "is paramount" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be overstated" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to stress the magnitude or significance of something. Ensure the context warrants such emphasis, and that overuse doesn't dilute its impact.

Is there a risk of sounding hyperbolic when using "cannot be overstated"?

Yes, there is a risk if used without proper justification. Ensure that the importance of what you're describing genuinely warrants such strong emphasis to avoid sounding exaggerated or insincere.