cannot be understated

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be understated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when talking about the importance or significance of something. For example: "The importance of getting a good night's sleep for your overall health and wellbeing cannot be understated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And its importance cannot be understated.

The Economist

Schäfer's impact cannot be understated either.

The Guardian - Sport

The significance of this cannot be understated.

The Guardian - Opinion

The horrors inflicted upon her by Alzheimer's cannot be understated.

The New York Times

Tim Thomas's importance to the Boston Bruins cannot be understated.

The New York Times - Sports

Then there are the refugees, whose role cannot be understated.

The New Yorker

Its importance as a NATO ally cannot be understated.

The Economist

"What has happened today is something that cannot be understated.

The Guardian - Sport

The importance of adCenter cannot be understated.

Forbes

The costs and logistics of preventative care cannot be understated.

Journal of Big Data

China's importance to the app industry cannot be understated.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be understated" to emphasize the substantial impact or importance of a particular element, ensuring it receives proper attention and consideration. This phrase is particularly useful when highlighting critical aspects that might otherwise be missed or undervalued.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be understated" in overly casual settings, as its formal tone can feel out of place. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "it's really important" or "it matters a lot" to maintain a more natural and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be understated" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the considerable significance, impact, or importance of a particular subject, event, or factor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be understated" is a potent phrase used to highlight the substantial importance or impact of something, ensuring it receives proper attention. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including news, science, and formal communications. While its formality makes it less suitable for casual settings, it is highly effective in emphasizing critical aspects. Alternatives like "cannot be overstated" and "is critically important" offer nuanced variations for different contexts. By understanding its appropriate usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively convey the true significance of their message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be underestimated

Expresses similar meaning with a slightly different emphasis on potential misjudgment.

cannot be overstated

Highlights the potential for exaggeration, suggesting the truth is already significant.

cannot be minimized

Focuses on preventing the reduction of importance or impact.

is of utmost importance

Emphasizes the supreme importance of something.

is critically important

Highlights the essential nature of something to a critical outcome.

is supremely significant

Stresses the exceptional level of significance.

is highly consequential

Underscores the far-reaching effects of something.

should not be overlooked

Warns against neglecting or ignoring something important.

demands serious consideration

Emphasizes the need for thoughtful attention and evaluation.

is vital to recognize

Highlights the essential recognition of something for understanding or progress.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be understated" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be understated" to emphasize the significant impact or importance of something. For example, "The importance of early detection "cannot be understated" when dealing with serious illnesses."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be understated"?

Alternatives include phrases like "cannot be overstated", "is critically important", or "is of utmost importance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cannot be understated" or "cannot be underestimated"?

While both phrases imply significance, "cannot be understated" emphasizes the true extent of something's importance, while "cannot be underestimated" focuses on the potential to misjudge its value. Choose the one that best fits the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be understated"?

Use "cannot be understated" in situations where you need to strongly emphasize the relevance or significance of something, particularly when it is at risk of being overlooked or misunderstood. It's appropriate in formal writing and professional contexts.