underscores the change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underscores the change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize or highlight a significant transformation or shift in a particular context. Example: "The recent study underscores the change in public opinion regarding climate change policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Democratic candidates' scrambling to polish their gun control credentials underscores the change since the 2012 and 2008 elections.

The Guardian

Though Howard Dean and Senators John Kerry, John Edwards and Joseph I. Lieberman appeared in 2003 at the Fox-caucus debate, the absence of the leading candidates this time around, including Mr. Edwards, underscores the change in the political climate.

The New York Times

Whatever the outcome, the luxury titans' maneuvering underscores the change in the industry over the last decade as the last of the independent houses has been swallowed up by the large groups.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Legislature's agreement to increase its contribution to the M.T.A.'s operating budget only underscores the changes in the agency's finances.

The New York Times

Members themselves have also underscored the change.

The New York Times

But the cuts he does propose, contrasted against his new spending, underscore the change he seeks.

The New York Times

Mr. Cox's confirmation last week, after a nine-month wait, underscored the change in climate.

The New York Times

As if to underscore the change, the president's NATO calendar is filled with meetings with other European leaders.

The New York Times

Underscoring the change in direction, in securities filings this year Enron described its principal business as "security brokers, dealers and flotation".

The New York Times

But he underscored the change in a woman midlife "is known to have an effect on judgment and behavior".

The New Yorker

Almost as background noise, many references to Ronald Reagan (played by Bruce Campbell) underscore the change that the 80s will eventually offer but none of these people realise are coming.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underscores the change" to emphasize a notable shift or transformation that supports your argument or analysis. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to highlight the significance of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "underscores the change" in situations where a simpler word like "shows" or "indicates" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underscores the change" functions primarily as a verb phrase that introduces or emphasizes a significant alteration, shift, or transformation. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase effectively emphasizes the significance of a particular change. It often connects a cause or observation to its effect or implication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "underscores the change" is a useful tool for emphasizing significant shifts or transformations in various contexts. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and serves to highlight the importance of a particular alteration. While most common in news and media, it's also appropriate for science and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context warrants such emphasis and that a simpler alternative wouldn't be more effective. Be mindful not to overuse it, to maintain clarity and conciseness in your writing. Alternative phrases such as "highlights the transformation" or "emphasizes the shift" can provide variety while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highlights the transformation

Replaces "underscores" with "highlights" focusing on bringing attention to the transformation itself.

emphasizes the shift

Substitutes "underscores" with "emphasizes", stressing the importance of the change.

illuminates the evolution

Uses "illuminates" to suggest a clearer understanding of the evolutionary process.

draws attention to the modification

Focuses on attracting notice to the specific alteration.

signals the alteration

Indicates a change using "signals", pointing towards a specific modification.

points out the transition

Directs focus towards the movement from one state to another.

reveals the metamorphosis

Highlights the dramatic nature of the transformation, often suggesting a complete change.

demonstrates the adjustment

Emphasizes the act of making something fit or suitable.

exhibits the variation

Shows the differences or deviations from a standard or norm.

accentuates the difference

Places stress on the distinct qualities that set something apart after a change.

FAQs

What does "underscores the change" mean?

The phrase "underscores the change" means to emphasize or highlight a shift, transformation, or alteration. It suggests that the change is significant and worthy of attention.

What are some alternatives to "underscores the change"?

Alternatives include "highlights the transformation", "emphasizes the shift", or "draws attention to the modification". Each has slightly different connotations, but all serve to point out a notable change.

How can I use "underscores the change" in a sentence?

You can use it to show a notable shift or alteration. For example: "The new data underscores the change in consumer behavior since the pandemic."

Is it better to say "underscores a change" or "underscores the change"?

While both are grammatically correct, "underscores the change" typically refers to a specific, already-mentioned change, while "underscores a change" refers to change in a more general way. The choice depends on the specific context.