it cannot be overstated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it cannot be overstated' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize the importance of something and is often used to end a sentence. For example, "The importance of getting a good education cannot be overstated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

This sounds simple, but it cannot be overstated.

The New York Times - Sports

It cannot be overstated just how good Strahan was.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a simple point, yet the importance of it cannot be overstated.

The Guardian

It cannot be overstated exactly how big a coup this deal was for Davis.

The New York Times - Sports

"It cannot be overstated that people want something new, they don't want the same old, same old politicians.

The New York Times

It cannot be overstated how much of a change this could represent, but achieving it will bring some significant challenges.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Do people really believe that it just cannot be overstated, as Senator Feinstein put it?

Huffington Post

The importance of performing every due diligence, and making sure we've got it right, cannot be overstated.

Forbes

"The progress it represents cannot be overstated.

Unicef

Her luck at having made it that far cannot be overstated.

The New York Times - Science

It's significance cannot be overstated, Yet, as Ken Silverstein of Harpers observes, an Obama victory is "not about politics but about the man".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it cannot be overstated" to emphasize a point you feel is often overlooked or misunderstood. This phrase is best used when you want to ensure your audience fully appreciates the significance of something.

Common error

While "it cannot be overstated" is a powerful phrase, overusing it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for situations where the emphasis is truly warranted to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be overstated" functions as an emphatic device to underscore the significance of a particular fact, idea, or situation. As Ludwig AI states, it emphasizes the importance of something. It acts as a strong assertion, urging the reader or listener to fully appreciate the gravity of the subject at hand.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it cannot be overstated" is a valuable tool for emphasizing the importance of a particular point. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, highlighting its role in underscoring significance. While commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it is crucial to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "it's critically important" or "it's paramount" to avoid overuse and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's vital

A straightforward way to express that something is necessary.

it's essential

Expresses the basic necessity of something.

it's crucial

Directly states that something is essential.

it's paramount

Uses a single word to highlight something of highest importance.

it's critically important

Indicates that something is essential or vital.

it's supremely important

Emphasizes the high degree of importance.

it's exceedingly important

Adds an adverb to emphasize the importance even further.

it's of utmost importance

Replaces the idiom with a direct statement of extreme importance.

it's indispensable

Highlights that something is crucial and cannot be done without.

it's of the essence

Implies that something is absolutely necessary and time-sensitive.

FAQs

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

You can use "it cannot be overstated" to emphasize the importance of something. For example, "The importance of regular exercise "cannot be overstated"." It typically appears towards the beginning or middle of the sentence to highlight the subject.

What are some alternatives to "it cannot be overstated"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it's critically important", "it's paramount", or "it's essential", which all emphasize the high importance of something. The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

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

While both phrases express high importance, "it cannot be overstated" emphasizes the degree of importance, while "it cannot be underestimated" highlights the potential consequences of not recognizing its importance. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey. For example, "The value of early detection "cannot be overstated"", versus "The risk of ignoring early symptoms "cannot be underestimated"".

What is the register of "it cannot be overstated"?

The phrase "it cannot be overstated" is suitable for both formal and semi-formal contexts. It's commonly used in academic writing, news reports, and professional communications. However, in very informal settings, more casual expressions might be preferred.