should be underlined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be underlined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a specific word or phrase in a text needs to be emphasized by underlining it. Example: "In your essay, the main argument should be underlined to highlight its importance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

should be underlined.

The New Yorker

The research question should be underlined, key points italicized, and big ideas in boldface type.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That word — if — should be underlined and written in boldface type.

The New York Times - Sports

It says: "If certain measures are identified as a prerequisite for success then their importance should be underlined from the start.

The Guardian

However, some limits should be underlined.

Annals of Intensive Care

Some important differences between the two definitions should be underlined.

Annals of Intensive Care

It should be underlined that, in all cases, we did not observe graphite aggregates.

Nanoscale Research Letters

It should be underlined that computations performed in every branch are independent from the other branches.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

The case of Japan as a unique power-actor should be underlined.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

However, it should be underlined, that language should continue to receive special attention.

Crime Science

It should be underlined that this study was not focused on technology foresight analysis (TFA).

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "should be underlined", ensure it clearly indicates what specific element requires emphasis within the text. Overuse can diminish its impact, so reserve it for truly key points.

Common error

Avoid underlining excessively or inconsistently. Underlining should primarily serve to highlight essential information, not simply to decorate the text. Inconsistent use can distract readers and reduce clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be underlined" functions as a directive, indicating that a specific element within a text requires emphasis through underlining. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be underlined" serves as a grammatically correct and frequently used directive to emphasize specific elements within a text. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage spans various contexts, including science, news, and formal writing, with a neutral formality level. While underlining is a valid method for emphasis, it's crucial to avoid overuse and maintain consistency to prevent distraction. Alternatives like "ought to be emphasized" and "needs to be highlighted" offer similar ways to convey the importance of highlighting key information. Overall, "should be underlined" is a valuable tool for guiding readers to focus on essential aspects of a text when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be emphasized

Replaces "should" with "ought to", suggesting a moral imperative or strong recommendation for emphasis.

needs to be highlighted

Uses "needs to" instead of "should", indicating a requirement for highlighting instead of underlining.

must be stressed

Employs "must be" to convey a stronger sense of obligation for stressing the importance of something.

is important to emphasize

Shifts the focus to the importance of emphasizing something, rather than the action of underlining.

deserves particular attention

Indicates that something warrants special focus, moving away from the specific act of underlining.

warrants special consideration

Highlights the need for careful thought and attention, rather than physical underlining.

should be given prominence

Suggests that something should be made more noticeable or important.

is worth noting

Implies that something is significant enough to be mentioned and remembered.

merits special attention

Similar to "deserves particular attention", but with a slightly more formal tone.

should be kept in mind

Emphasizes the importance of remembering something, rather than physically marking it.

FAQs

How do I use "should be underlined" in a sentence?

Use "should be underlined" to indicate that a specific word, phrase, or sentence requires emphasis. For example, "The thesis statement "should be underlined" to clearly identify the main argument."

What are some alternatives to saying "should be underlined"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to be emphasized", "needs to be highlighted", or "must be stressed" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use underlining for emphasis?

Underlining is appropriate when you want to draw specific attention to key terms, concepts, or statements within a text. However, consider using it sparingly to maintain its effectiveness.

Is there a difference between using bold text and underlining for emphasis?

Yes, while both are used for emphasis, bold text often signifies importance within the main flow of the text, whereas underlining can highlight specific terms or phrases that require particular attention, sometimes implying a need for further scrutiny or consideration.