underlining

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "underlining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the graphical representation of a word or phrase that has been emphasized by drawing a line beneath it. For example: "The professor underlined the key terms in the reading assignment to make sure that students paid particular attention to them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For much of its first hour, Mad Dogs US seems overly preoccupied with underlining the tension between its leads in thick marker pen, making it seem less like a high-octane thriller and more like a sulky stag night.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Tory delight at the politics underlining his address will also do something to heal the ever-present tensions between the party and the Church of England.

The Guardian

"An opposition that promises more of the same is no opposition at all," said Leanne Wood, underlining her conviction that she will not prop up a Labour government "hell-bent on implementing Tory cuts".

The Guardian - Opinion

Conservative backbenchers lined up to demand separate powers for English MPs shortly after the polls closed, underlining the pressure on Cameron to act.

The Guardian

An unattended backpack led to the evacuation of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) in Canberra on Tuesday, underlining heightened security fears after the deadly Sydney siege.

The Guardian

The block's innocuous location does not need underlining with dashes.

The Guardian

It's worth underlining that this isn't because films were released late or in limited runs – voters get sent the films on DVD.

The Guardian - Film

Islamic State's victories in Palmyra and Ramadi have been painful blows for the US-led coalinion in both Syria and Iraq respectively, underlining the flaws in a strategy that has been widely criticised as both wrong-headed and half-hearted.

The Guardian

However the oil price downturn clouds the economic outlook for Texas, which led the nation in job losses in March, underlining that the state's success is heavily dependent on high oil prices and the fracking boom.

The Guardian

BP and Shell will this week report a collapse in first-quarter profits of around 60% on the same period of 2014 underlining the financial damage being inflicted by low oil and gas prices.

The Guardian - Business

Calm, though occasionally slightly hesitant, Wood spoke with great feeling, underlining Plaid's commitment to a post-austerity Wales, her passionate belief in the importance of the welfare state, and her obvious disdain for the divisive anti-immigration politics of Farage, or "her friend on the far right", as she scathingly put it (I cheered).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underlining" to indicate a reinforcing element within a statement or situation. For example, "The recent economic downturn is "underlining" the need for fiscal responsibility."

Common error

Avoid using "underlining" too frequently in casual writing or conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "highlighting" or "emphasizing" for better flow and readability.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "underlining" is as a present participle or gerund of the verb "underline". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, where it serves to modify nouns or function as a noun itself, typically describing an action or state of reinforcing or emphasizing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlining" functions primarily as a verb form to denote emphasis or reinforcement, with Ludwig AI attesting to its grammatical correctness. It is frequently employed in neutral to professional contexts, especially in news and business domains, to highlight crucial points or developments. While versatile, it is advisable to use it judiciously in casual settings. Alternative phrases such as "emphasizing" and "underscoring" offer similar nuances. Overall, understanding its contexts and communicative purpose is key to employing "underlining" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underscoring

A more formal synonym, often used to reinforce a point.

emphasizing

Focuses more on the act of giving emphasis rather than the visual metaphor.

highlighting

Implies bringing attention to something, making it stand out.

placing emphasis on

Highlights the deliberate act of focusing on something.

stressing

Indicates placing particular importance or pressure on a point.

giving prominence to

Emphasizes the act of making something stand out.

calling attention to

Similar to "drawing attention to", but can imply a more intentional act.

drawing attention to

Focuses on making something noticeable.

accentuating

Making something more noticeable or prominent.

pointing out

Simply bringing something to someone's notice, often factual.

FAQs

How to use "underlining" in a sentence?

You can use "underlining" to show that something is emphasized or becomes more apparent. For example: "The study's findings are "underlining" the importance of early intervention."

What can I say instead of "underlining"?

You can use alternatives like "emphasizing", "highlighting", or "underscoring" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "underlining" or "highlighting"?

Both are correct, but ""underlining"" often implies a more significant or reinforcing effect, while "highlighting" simply means bringing attention to something.

What's the difference between "underlining" and "emphasizing"?

"Underlining" often suggests a reinforcing effect, making something more apparent. "Emphasizing" focuses on the act of giving importance to something, whether or not it was already apparent.