to underscore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to underscore' is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to emphasize or draw attention to something. For example, "The Prime Minister underscored the importance of taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's really important to underscore.

The New York Times

Constantine is right to underscore it.

The New Yorker

Updike sought to underscore his arrogance.

The New Yorker

"Randy, permit to underscore Carl's letter.

The New York Times

Then came the iPhone in 2007, to underscore its revival.

The Guardian - Business

(The intermittent score tends to underscore the obvious).

The New York Times

A portable sound system added beats to underscore the dunks.

The New York Times

The resignation appears to underscore divisions in the new government.

The New York Times

To underscore that, a rider is seen doing a wheelie.

The New York Times

To underscore the connection, Helen is an expert on James.

The New York Times - Books

The testimony was meant to underscore Sim's sacrifice.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to underscore" when you want to emphasize a key point or idea, ensuring it stands out to the audience. For example, use it to reinforce the main argument in an essay or to highlight the significance of a finding in a report.

Common error

Avoid using "to underscore" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to emphasize" or "to highlight" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to underscore" functions as an infinitive verb phrase used to introduce the act of emphasizing or highlighting something. It is used to indicate that the speaker or writer intends to draw particular attention to a specific point or idea, as Ludwig AI suggests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to underscore" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize or highlight a point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and effective in formal and semi-formal contexts. It is "very common", primarily appearing in news and media. While synonymous with "to emphasize" and "to highlight", "to underscore" often suggests providing extra support for an argument. When writing, consider its formality level and use it judiciously, preferring simpler alternatives in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to emphasize

Replaces "underscore" with a direct synonym indicating a focus on importance.

to highlight

Suggests drawing attention to something, similar to underscoring.

to stress

Implies placing particular importance or emphasis on a point.

to accentuate

Focuses on making something more noticeable or prominent.

to bring attention to

A more descriptive phrase with the same intention of making something noticeable.

to call attention to

Similar to 'bring attention to', but suggests a deliberate act of pointing something out.

to foreground

Indicates moving something to the forefront or making it a priority.

to reinforce

Implies strengthening or supporting an idea or concept.

to drive home

Means to make a point clearly and forcefully.

to bring to the fore

To highlight and make something more prominent and known.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "to underscore" in a sentence?

Use "to underscore" to emphasize a point or highlight the importance of something. For example, "The data serves "to underscore" the need for further research".

What are some alternatives to "to underscore" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "to emphasize", "to highlight", or "to stress" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to underscore" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "to underscore" is appropriate for formal writing. It adds a level of emphasis suitable for academic papers, reports, and professional communications.

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

"To underscore" and "to emphasize" are very similar. "To underscore" often implies providing additional support or evidence to strengthen a point, while "to emphasize" simply means to give something special importance.