hard to underestimate

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard to underestimate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is of great importance or value. For example, "The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic is hard to underestimate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is hard to underestimate this change.

The New York Times

It is hard to underestimate the power of Wal-Mart.

The New York Times

But it is hard to underestimate the potential impact.

The New York Times

It's hard to underestimate the impact these coaches have had on their organizations.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The potential windfall from increased regulation for cab company owners is hard to underestimate.

The Washington Post

It is hard to underestimate the impact of the Rockefeller family on these blocks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Jewish history has taught us the hard way never to underestimate the power of hatred.

The New York Times

"People underestimated and continue to underestimate how hard it is to make great playlists," Westergren said.

TechCrunch

There are so many aspects of this story... and I don't mean to underestimate how hard I worked.

Huffington Post

Now conservatives are portraying Mr. Bernanke, a Republican, as trying too hard to stimulate growth and underestimating the risk of inflation.

The New York Times

Their impact falls disproportionately on women and families with infants, because their economic damages, which remain subject to jury awards, are hard to estimate and typically underestimated.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hard to underestimate" to underscore the considerable impact, importance, or value of something. This phrase is effective in situations where the full extent might not be immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to underestimate" in informal situations where simpler language would suffice. Its formal tone can seem out of place in casual conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to underestimate" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase indicates the importance or significance of a particular subject or situation. It serves to emphasize the substantial impact of something being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard to underestimate" is a powerful tool to emphasize the significance of something. Grammatically sound and frequently used, as Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered appropriate for use in many contexts. With primary usage in News & Media and Academia, its register remains fairly neutral. When you want to effectively communicate the importance or impact of a subject, particularly when that impact is not immediately apparent, using "hard to underestimate" can be invaluable. Remember, while potent, it's best to avoid overusing this phrase in more casual settings where simpler language would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to overstate

This alternative focuses on the challenge of exaggerating the importance of something.

cannot be overstated

This phrase emphasizes that the true extent or importance is difficult to express fully.

of great significance

A more formal way to express high importance or impact.

hugely important

A more direct and emphatic way to state the importance.

vitally important

Emphasizes the essential and crucial nature of something.

cannot be minimized

Focuses on the impossibility of reducing the perceived importance.

critically important

Highlights the critical or crucial aspect of the subject.

highly significant

Suggests a notable level of importance or consequence.

not to be taken lightly

This phrase emphasizes the need for serious consideration.

profoundly impactful

Highlights a deep and significant effect or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "hard to underestimate" in a sentence?

You can use "hard to underestimate" to emphasize the significance of something, like in the sentence, "It's "hard to underestimate" the importance of education in today's society."

What are some alternatives to "hard to underestimate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "difficult to overstate", "cannot be overstated", or "of great significance".

Is it correct to say "easy to underestimate"?

Yes, it is correct to say "easy to underestimate". It means that something is often underestimated or its importance is not fully recognized.

What does "hard to underestimate" imply about something's value?

When something is described as ""hard to underestimate"", it means that its true value, impact, or significance is very high and should not be underestimated.