underscores

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "underscores" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a line or series of lines that connect words, phrases, or sentences. For example: The editor suggested using underscores to indicate a pause in the sentence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

Obama, whose father was Kenyan, said America stood with the country's people in the face of the latest attack, which he said "underscores the degree to which all of us as an international community have to stand against the kind of senseless violence that these kind of groups represent".

The Guardian

The furore surrounding the footballer underscores the enduring importance of the game in Egypt's politics and how the political situation remains unsettled nearly two years after the military ousted the elected president, Mohamed Morsi, a Brotherhood member.

The Guardian

But the defection of Abdo Hussameldin, a relatively minor and unknown figure outside of Damascus, underscores the difficulties Syria's fragmented opposition has had in persuading senior regime figures to abandon Assad.

The Guardian

While the South Carolina setback underscores Romney's enduring unpopularity with Southerners, strong conservatives, and evangelicals, he retains certain advantages.

The Guardian - Opinion

What is telling for Northern Ireland about this week's budget is that it underscores where the real power still lies.

The Guardian

The fact that it has taken almost 50 years to achieve underscores the difficulty of reopening any line once it has been closed, its stations sold off, its land bought by farmers and supermarkets and its track ripped up.

The Guardian

Aronson – who participated in peace talks to end civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua in the 1990s – underscores that he is not a go-between.

The Guardian

A senior Indian official talks of India having a legitimate interest because a Chinese "noose" is tightening on its friends and trading partners around the South China Sea.China's maritime fixation underscores the appeal of lessening worries over its terrestrial borders at least that is the argument that some make in Beijing for seeking an agreement on the disputed border.

The Economist

Senator Kerry's nomination underscores Mr Obama's belief that America must pursue diplomacy to the bitter end, and be seen to do so, sources say.

The Economist

That the nation could even consider a strict language requirement for its president underscores the vigour of the language, but the continued popularity of Mr Deschene hints that many Navajos don't see language as an indispensable carrier of their culture anymore.That Navajo leaders are digging in their heels is unsurprising.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underscores" when you want to subtly emphasize the significance of a point or idea without being overly assertive. It's effective in formal writing where nuance is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "underscores" in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler words like "shows" or "highlights" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "underscores" is a transitive verb, used to indicate that something draws attention to, emphasizes, or confirms a particular point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often employed to subtly highlight significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underscores" functions as a versatile verb, primarily used to subtly emphasize a point or idea. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalent use in neutral to formal contexts such as news reporting, business communications, and academic writing. While semantically similar to "highlights" and "emphasizes", "underscores" offers a more nuanced approach to drawing attention to significance. Its frequent presence in authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian further solidifies its standing as a reliable choice for reinforcing arguments and viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highlights

Focuses more on bringing attention to something important.

emphasizes

Stresses the importance or significance of something.

underlines

Similar to underscores, but can also imply a more subtle emphasis.

stresses

Puts particular emphasis or importance on something.

demonstrates

Shows clearly and convincingly.

confirms

Verifies or establishes the truth or accuracy of something.

illustrates

Provides a clear example or explanation.

reinforces

Strengthens or supports an existing idea or feeling.

accentuates

Makes something more noticeable or prominent.

draws attention to

Directs focus or notice towards a particular point.

FAQs

How is "underscores" used in a sentence?

The word "underscores" is generally used to emphasize or highlight the importance of something. For example, "This event underscores the need for better safety measures."

What can I say instead of "underscores"?

You can use alternatives like "highlights", "emphasizes", or "underlines" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "underscores" in academic writing?

Yes, "underscores" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing as it provides a subtle way to emphasize the significance of a finding or argument.

What's the difference between "underscores" and "highlights"?

"Underscores" implies a subtle emphasis or confirmation, whereas "highlights" suggests bringing something important to the forefront for attention.