it is difficult to underestimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to underestimate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is so significant or important that it cannot be undervalued or overlooked. Example: "The impact of climate change is so profound that it is difficult to underestimate its effects on global ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is difficult to underestimate the seriousness of these sectarian bloodbaths.

Independent

It is difficult to underestimate the significance of the research by Dr Dan Frumkin and others, published in Forensic Science International Genetics.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is difficult to underestimate Fussell's influence," Vincent B. Sherry wrote in "The Cambridge Companion to the Literature of the First World War".

The New York Times

Harry Potter JK Rowling, 1997 - 2007 As recommended by: ArtemisiaB It is difficult to underestimate the quotability of the Harry Potter books, which have produced unforgettable spells, immortal characters and plenty of healthy truisms.

The Guardian

There is growing sentiment in Pac-12 circles that it would be difficult to accept the Oklahoma universities, but it is difficult to underestimate the persuasive powers of Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott.

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult to underestimate the effect "Rome Open City" had when it arrived in 1946 in New York, where it struck initial audiences with the impact of a documentary.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It's difficult to underestimate how unique the News of the World was," said Charlie Beckett, director of Polis, a media research organization affiliated with the London School of Economics.

The New York Times

Online courses aren't entirely new, but it's difficult to underestimate just how powerful the California higher education system is.

TechCrunch

It's difficult to underestimate the significance of habit in driving our actions and behaviors -- and they're what determines whether our resolutions are kept or crumpled up and thrown in the trash.

HuffPost

And, given it is one of the most popular websites in the world, with around 65 million users each month, its utility is difficult to underestimate.

Independent

The importance of eye contact in human relationships, whether at the workplace or in any other setting, is difficult to underestimate.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is difficult to underestimate" to emphasize the profound importance or impact of a situation, event, or concept. This phrase adds weight to your statement and signals that something should not be taken lightly.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "it is difficult to underestimate" in casual conversation or informal writing can make your tone sound overly formal or even pretentious. Choose simpler, more direct language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to underestimate" functions as an intensifier, used to emphasize the great significance or impact of a subject. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase indicates something shouldn't be taken lightly.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is difficult to underestimate" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for emphasizing the significance or impact of something. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English. While not overly common, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the level of formality appropriate for your audience and consider alternative expressions to prevent overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's hard to undervalue

Emphasizes the challenge in assigning a low value or importance.

it's challenging to downplay

Focuses on the difficulty in minimizing the significance of something.

it's tough to overlook

Highlights the inability to ignore or disregard something important.

it's not easy to minimize

Similar to 'downplay' but with a slightly different connotation.

the importance cannot be overstated

Highlights the extreme importance; near impossible to exaggerate it.

it would be dangerous to underrate

Suggests that underrating something carries significant risk.

the consequences are far-reaching

Focuses on the extensive and significant effects of something.

the impact is considerable

Directly states that something has a noteworthy impact.

the effects are substantial

Highlights the significant and tangible results or effects.

the magnitude is noteworthy

Emphasizes the significant size or extent of something.

FAQs

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

Use "it is difficult to underestimate" to emphasize the significance or impact of something. For example: "It is difficult to underestimate the importance of early childhood education."

What phrases are similar to "it is difficult to underestimate"?

Similar phrases include "it's hard to undervalue", "it's challenging to downplay", or "the importance cannot be overstated". Each of these can be used to express that something is highly significant.

Is "it is hard to underestimate" the same as "it is difficult to underestimate"?

Yes, "it is hard to underestimate" is a very similar expression to "it is difficult to underestimate" and can often be used interchangeably. The difference is only a subtle nuance in tone.

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

It is best to use "it is difficult to underestimate" in formal writing or when you want to strongly emphasize the magnitude or importance of something. Overuse in casual conversation might sound overly formal.