this cannot be overstated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this cannot be overstated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the importance or significance of a particular point or statement. Example: "The impact of climate change on our planet is severe; this cannot be overstated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The enormity of this cannot be overstated".

The New York Times

The importance of this cannot be overstated.

The Guardian - Sport

The gritty magnificence of all this cannot be overstated.

The New York Times - Books

But the danger in a performance like this cannot be overstated.

The New York Times - Arts

This cannot be overstated: the survival of the faith tradition as a whole hangs in the balance.

The Guardian - Opinion

This cannot be overstated, as the team behind Samaritans Radar found out in 2014 when they deployed an app with the best of intentions, only to discover it was unfit for purpose.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The urgency of this problem cannot be overstated.

The New York Times

The integrity of this transaction cannot be overstated.

The Washington Post

The importance of this distinction cannot be overstated.

Harvard Business Review

"The significance of this watch cannot be overstated," he said.

The Guardian - Film

The significance of this ruling cannot be overstated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this cannot be overstated" to reinforce a point that might otherwise be missed or underestimated by your audience. It's especially effective when introducing complex or impactful information.

Common error

Avoid using "this cannot be overstated" in situations where the importance is already self-evident. Save it for scenarios where the gravity or scale truly warrants such emphasis, or risk sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this cannot be overstated" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the significance of a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI suggests, it underscores a point that the speaker or writer believes is crucial and perhaps underestimated. This is evident across various examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this cannot be overstated" is a phrase used to emphasize the importance or significance of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Appearing frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts, it serves to ensure the audience fully appreciates the gravity of a point. While its formal register makes it suitable for various settings, it’s crucial to avoid overuse in simple contexts. Alternatives like "it's hard to overstate this" can offer variety while maintaining the desired emphasis. The phrase is a useful tool for writers aiming to add impact and clarity to their message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's hard to overstate this

Emphasizes the difficulty in exaggerating the importance.

the importance of this is paramount

Highlights the supreme importance of something.

this is critically important

Stresses the critical nature of the subject.

the significance is immense

Indicates a very great importance.

this is of the utmost importance

Highlights that something is supremely important.

this is crucial to understand

Emphasizes the necessity of comprehension.

this is supremely important

Indicates an extremely high level of importance.

it's essential to grasp this

Emphasizes the necessity of understanding something.

this is of extreme importance

Indicates a very high level of importance.

the impact is profound

Emphasizes the deep and significant effect.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "this cannot be overstated", place it after a statement to emphasize its importance. For example, "The need for immediate action on climate change is urgent; this cannot be overstated."

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

You can use alternatives like "it's hard to overstate this", "the importance of this is paramount", or "this is critically important" to emphasize the significance of a point.

When is it appropriate to use "this cannot be overstated"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight a critical aspect or a point that might be underestimated. Ensure the context genuinely warrants such a strong emphasis to avoid hyperbole.

Is "this cannot be overstated" a formal or informal expression?

It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in formal writing or speech where emphasis is needed. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication.