cannot stress enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot stress enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of something, especially something that you feel is not being given enough attention. For example, "I cannot stress enough how important it is to wear a seatbelt in the car".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I cannot stress enough how optional this step is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We cannot stress enough how untrue this is.

The New Yorker

I cannot stress enough how urgent this is".

The New York Times

"I cannot stress enough how much I persisted," he laughs.

The Guardian

I cannot stress enough how important partnerships are.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I cannot stress enough what I said yesterday: the goal here isn't to blind the NSA.

The Guardian - Opinion

I cannot stress enough that James is not saying Chris Froome is doping.

The Guardian - Sport

Which, I cannot stress enough, is one of the key aspects of being a runner.

The New Yorker

But, he quickly added, "I cannot stress enough that no decision has been made on this".

The New York Times

We cannot stress enough that measles is serious and in some cases it can be fatal".

The Guardian

"I cannot stress enough just how out of character the allegations are," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot stress enough" to underscore key points that might be overlooked. It adds weight to your statements and signals their importance to the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot stress enough" excessively, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for truly critical points to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot stress enough" functions as an intensifier, used to heighten the importance of a statement. It serves to signal to the audience that the speaker or writer considers the point to be of utmost significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize something that might not be getting enough attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

11%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot stress enough" is a versatile and common phrase used to add emphasis to a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academia and business, but it is most frequently seen in news sources. While effective for highlighting crucial points, overuse can dilute its impact. Consider alternatives like "must emphasize" or "it's crucial to understand" for variety. Use it strategically to underscore essential information and ensure comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I cannot overstate

Similar in structure but uses "overstate".

must emphasize

Stronger and more direct in tone.

it's crucial to understand

Focuses on the understanding aspect.

it is of utmost importance

More formal and highlights importance.

I want to highlight

Shifts focus to the speaker's intention to highlight.

it's vital to remember

Emphasizes the act of remembering.

it's essential to realize

Focuses on comprehension and awareness.

I urge you to consider

Adds a sense of urgency and recommendation.

let me reiterate

Highlights the act of repeating for emphasis.

bear in mind

Suggests keeping something in mind for future reference.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "cannot stress enough" in a sentence?

Place "cannot stress enough" before the specific point you want to emphasize. For instance, "I "cannot stress enough" how crucial early detection is."

What are some alternatives to "cannot stress enough" that I can use?

Consider using phrases like "must emphasize", "it's crucial to understand", or "I cannot overstate" depending on the context.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "cannot stress enough"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "cannot stress enough" in overly formal or academic contexts where a more nuanced or sophisticated expression might be preferred. It may also be unsuitable when discussing trivial matters.

How does "cannot stress enough" compare to "cannot emphasize enough"?

The phrases are nearly interchangeable. "Cannot emphasize enough" carries a similar meaning but might sound slightly more formal to some ears.