to underscore the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to underscore the point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize or highlight a specific argument or idea in your writing. Example: "The recent study provides compelling evidence to underscore the point that regular exercise improves mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Style

Travel

Food

Sports

Health

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Zero," he said again, as if to underscore the point.

The New York Times

(The lyric booklet capitalizes this last phrase to underscore the point, whatever it is).

The New York Times - Arts

And then, to underscore the point: "If anyone is changing here, it's me".

The New York Times - Style

Then as if to underscore the point he responded irreverently to a question about his height.

The New York Times - Arts

Then, to underscore the point: "You'll have to be out by then".

The New York Times - Food

She stomped up and down on her 80-year-old oak floor to underscore the point.

The New York Times - Travel

As if to underscore the point, residents of Gaviotas respectfully call Mr. Lugari "Doctor".

The New York Times

(To underscore the point she poses as one on the album cover).

The New York Times - Arts

Recent developments have served to underscore the point of the book.

The New York Times - Books

As if to underscore the point, he has recruited most of his economic advisers from the former president's administration.

The New York Times

To underscore the point, McGregor wore a pinstripe suit with an unsubtle message subtly hidden in the pinstripes: "FUCK YOU".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your emphasis techniques; while "to underscore the point" is effective, avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "to emphasize" or "to highlight" for better stylistic flow.

Common error

Avoid using "to underscore the point" when introducing a tangential or weakly related idea. Ensure that what follows directly and strongly supports the main argument, otherwise, the phrase loses its intended impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to underscore the point" serves as a transitional phrase and a discourse marker. Its primary function is to signal that the speaker or writer is about to provide additional information, examples, or evidence that will reinforce and emphasize a previously stated idea or argument. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically correct expression used to connect ideas and improve clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

10%

Style

8%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Food

5%

Sports

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to underscore the point" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to emphasize and reinforce an idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to strengthen an argument by drawing attention to its importance. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as in arts-related content, suggesting its broad applicability. While alternatives such as "to emphasize the point" or "to highlight the point" exist, "to underscore the point" remains a versatile and effective choice for writers seeking to add emphasis to their work. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid repetition and ensure it genuinely supports the main argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to emphasize the point

Replaces "underscore" with "emphasize", maintaining a direct and straightforward approach to highlighting an idea.

to highlight the point

Substitutes "underscore" with "highlight", providing a slightly more visual connotation of bringing attention to the key aspect.

to stress the importance

Shifts the focus slightly from the point itself to its significance, adding weight to the argument.

to reiterate the fact

Uses "reiterate" to suggest a restatement of something already mentioned, reinforcing its presence in the discussion.

for the sake of emphasis

Changes the structure to focus on the purpose of emphasis, suitable for more formal contexts.

by way of illustration

Introduces an example or demonstration to strengthen the argument, changing the means of emphasis.

as a reminder

Frames the statement as a prompt to remember, useful for reinforcing previously stated information.

to drive home the message

Employs a more forceful idiom to ensure the message is fully understood and remembered, intensifying the emphasis.

in order to clarify

Focuses on making the point clearer, adding a layer of explanation alongside emphasis.

to bring attention to

Highlights the element of drawing focus, suggesting a deliberate act of pointing out the importance of the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "to underscore the point" in a sentence?

You can use "to underscore the point" to introduce information that emphasizes a preceding statement. For example, "The data showed a clear increase in sales; "to underscore the point", the company reported its highest quarterly revenue ever."

What can I say instead of "to underscore the point"?

You can use alternatives like "to emphasize the point", "to highlight the point", or "to stress the importance" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "to underscore the point" when emphasizing something?

No, it's not always necessary. While "to underscore the point" is effective, it's crucial to vary your writing style. Sometimes, a direct statement or strong evidence can be more impactful without explicitly signaling emphasis.

What is the difference between "to underscore the point" and "in conclusion"?

"To underscore the point" is used to emphasize a specific idea within an argument, while "in conclusion" is used to summarize the entire argument at the end. They serve different purposes in structuring a piece of writing.