to underline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to underline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize or highlight a particular point or idea in your writing. Example: "In her presentation, she aimed to underline the importance of teamwork in achieving success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's meant to underline".

The New York Times - Arts

You want me to underline that point?

The Guardian - Music

I want to underline this.

The Guardian

"And I do want to underline measured.

The New York Times

"I would like to underline that".

The New York Times

Instead, it serves to underline their achievement.

The Guardian - Sport

There is no time, when listening, to underline and dissect.

The New York Times - Books

Every opportunity is taken to underline political themes.

The New York Times - Arts

He uses it to underline the point he's making.

The Guardian

Absurd is a good word to underline the entire series.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, in attempting to underline this point, things went downhill.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. While "to underline" is generally acceptable, more formal synonyms like "to underscore" might be better suited for academic or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to underline" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "to emphasize" or "to highlight" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to underline" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the intent or reason behind an action. It is used to denote the action of emphasizing or highlighting a particular point or idea, as Ludwig AI confirms, aiming to draw attention and importance to it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to underline" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize a point or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider more formal synonyms like "to underscore" in appropriate settings. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "to underline" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Also, remember to vary your wording by considering related alternatives like "to emphasize" or "to highlight".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to emphasize

Replaces "underline" with a direct synonym, focusing on highlighting importance.

to highlight

Similar to emphasize, but suggests bringing something to the forefront.

to stress

Implies placing particular importance or pressure on a point.

to underscore

A more formal synonym for underline, suggesting added emphasis.

to bring attention to

Focuses on making something noticeable or important.

to draw attention to

Similar to 'bring attention to', but with a sense of directing focus.

to lay emphasis on

A more descriptive way of saying to emphasize, suggesting a deliberate action.

to give prominence to

Highlights the act of making something stand out.

to accentuate

Suggests enhancing or intensifying a particular aspect.

to impress upon

Implies making something clearly understood or appreciated.

FAQs

How can I use "to underline" in a sentence?

You can use "to underline" to emphasize a point. For example, "The speaker used several anecdotes "to underline" the importance of empathy".

What are some alternatives to using "to underline"?

Alternatives include "to emphasize", "to highlight", "to stress", or "to underscore", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to underline" or "to emphasize"?

Both "to underline" and "to emphasize" are correct and can often be used interchangeably. However, "to underline" might suggest a more direct or obvious highlighting of a point, while "to emphasize" can be more general.

What is the difference between "to underline" and "to underscore"?

"To underline" and "to underscore" are largely synonymous. "To underscore", however, is often considered more formal and might be preferred in academic or professional writing.