it is difficult to overstate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is difficult to overstate' is an acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a point or emphasize how important something is. For example: "It is difficult to overstate the importance of wearing a face mask in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is difficult to overstate the social cost of NIHL and its impact on quality of life.

Environmental Health Perspectives

It is difficult to overstate Griffin's effect.

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult to overstate his importance".

The New York Times

It is difficult to overstate the Brothers' influence on Ireland.

The Guardian

It is difficult to overstate the weirdness of quantum physics.

The New Yorker

"It is difficult to overstate the significance of this announcement.

The Guardian

It is difficult to overstate the huge variation in STPs.

The Guardian

It is difficult to overstate the power of this idea.

Harvard Business Review

It is difficult to overstate the significance of his rise.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is difficult to overstate the medical importance of the serine protease thrombin.

Trends in Pharmacological Sciences

It is difficult to overstate the support for DNA as it became incorporated into crime solving.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse. While effective, repeated use can diminish its impact. Use it sparingly for maximum effect.

Common error

Ensure that what you are emphasizing is clearly defined and its importance is evident to the reader. Avoid using it before vague statements or points that lack specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to overstate" serves as an intensifier, emphasizing the subsequent statement's significance. It prepares the reader to understand the importance of the information being presented. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and is suitable for emphasizing a point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is difficult to overstate" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance or magnitude of a statement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, and is best used when highlighting crucial points. While it can be a powerful tool, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "it's hard to exaggerate" and "the importance cannot be overstated".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the importance cannot be overstated

Highlights the crucial nature of something in a passive, formal tone.

one cannot overemphasize

Underscores the impossibility of placing too much emphasis on a particular point.

it's hard to exaggerate

Emphasizes the challenge in depicting something's true extent or importance.

it's tough to overestimate

Focuses on the idea that something's value or impact is likely underestimated.

it's no exaggeration to say

Introduces a statement that, while seemingly extreme, is actually accurate.

it would be an understatement to say

Indicates that the true situation is far more significant than one might initially believe.

the significance is immense

Conveys that something's significance is exceptionally large or profound.

it is paramount to understand

Stresses the vital need for comprehension.

it's crucial to recognize

Emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging something.

words cannot describe

Expresses that something is beyond adequate description.

FAQs

How can I use "it is difficult to overstate" in a sentence?

You can use "it is difficult to overstate" to emphasize the importance or significance of something. For example, "It is difficult to overstate the importance of early childhood education".

What are some alternatives to "it is difficult to overstate"?

Alternatives include "it's hard to exaggerate", "the importance cannot be overstated", or "one cannot overemphasize". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "it is difficult to overstate"?

Yes, "it is difficult to overstate" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Ludwig AI also confirms this.

When is it appropriate to use "it is difficult to overstate"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something is so important or significant that it's hard to express its true extent. Use it to highlight crucial aspects or impacts.