underscore the urgency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underscore the urgency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance or immediacy of a situation or issue. Example: "The recent events underscore the urgency of addressing climate change before it's too late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Recent events underscore the urgency of this proposal.

The Guardian

Empathy can do nothing for us but to underscore the urgency of solving it.

The Economist

After all, specifics would add dramatic effect and underscore the urgency to act.

The New York Times

Today's high energy prices only underscore the urgency of these efforts.

The New York Times

The tragic consequences of the last few months underscore the urgency and importance of moving forward comprehensively now.

The New York Times

"The statistics every day underscore the urgency of the economic situation," Mr. Obama said before heading into lunch with Senate Republicans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The airstrikes on Wednesday underscored the urgency of diplomatic maneuvers.

The New York Times

"It underscores the urgency of reducing global carbon emissions".

The Guardian

The financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter underscored the urgency of the need to take action.

The New York Times

House speaker John Boehner saying the ruling "underscores the urgency of repealing" the bill.

The Guardian

But the broader economic picture underscores the urgency — and limitations — of the latest move.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underscore the urgency" when you want to emphasize the critical need for immediate action. It's suitable when linking current events or findings to an urgent call for change.

Common error

Avoid using "underscore the urgency" in contexts where the situation isn't genuinely pressing or critical. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underscore the urgency" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to emphasize the critical and immediate need for action or attention. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underscore the urgency" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that serves to emphasize the critical need for immediate action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, this phrase effectively persuades audiences to recognize the importance of swift responses. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations that genuinely require prompt attention to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "highlight the criticality" or "emphasize the exigency" offer similar emphasis, but "underscore the urgency" remains a direct and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

call attention to the urgency

Highlights the importance of the issue, making it prominent.

underscore the gravity

Highlights the seriousness of a situation.

emphasize the exigency

Highlights the pressing and demanding nature of a situation.

underline the imperative

Emphasizes that something is absolutely essential or necessary.

stress the immediate need

Focuses on the necessity for prompt action, changing the structure slightly.

bring attention to the exigency

Draws focus to the urgency and demanding nature of a situation.

highlight the criticality

Emphasizes the critical nature of a situation, shifting the focus to its importance.

reinforce the criticalness

Stresses again the importance of something.

accentuate the importance

Underscores the significance of something, providing a broader emphasis.

demonstrate the need for speed

Shows the necessity of doing something quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "underscore the urgency" in a sentence?

You can use "underscore the urgency" to emphasize the need for immediate action. For example: "The recent data breach "underscores the urgency" of improving cybersecurity measures."

What are some alternatives to "underscore the urgency"?

Alternatives include phrases like "highlight the criticality", "emphasize the exigency", or "stress the immediate need".

Is it correct to say "underlines the urgency" instead of "underscore the urgency"?

"Underlines the urgency" is grammatically correct, but "underscore the urgency" is more common. Both are acceptable, but context may favor one over the other.

What's the difference between "underscore the urgency" and "underscore the importance"?

"Underscore the urgency" emphasizes the need for immediate action, while "underscore the importance" highlights the significance or value of something. The choice depends on whether you want to stress timing or value.