was underscored

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was underscored" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was emphasized or highlighted in a previous context, often in discussions or analyses. Example: "The importance of teamwork was underscored during the training session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This line was underscored faintly in pencil.

The New Yorker

The Taliban's growing isolation was underscored by two developments.

The New York Times

That conclusion was underscored repeatedly in the years that followed.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was underscored by Obama's perfunctory drop-by to a sanitized beach in Grand Isle, La.

The New York Times

This grim outlook was underscored on February 11th by the Bank of England.

The Economist

Its pathos was underscored by an implication that the woman he loved was remote and unattainable.

The New York Times - Arts

That point was underscored by the vague language around the timeline for handing over security responsibility.

The New York Times

The danger was underscored by the latest Brookings Institution-Financial Times index of global economic recovery.

The New York Times

The military expertise of Hewlett-Packard was underscored in 1969 when U.S. Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That quality was underscored on Tuesday by the singer's backup quartet.

The New York Times - Arts

The diplomatic challenge was underscored again while North Korea was preparing its latest missile test.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was underscored" to highlight the importance of a previously mentioned point or concept. It adds a layer of emphasis and signals that the information is crucial for understanding the overall message.

Common error

Avoid using "was underscored" in simple, declarative sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or redundant. Opt for simpler alternatives like "showed" or "indicated" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was underscored" functions as a passive voice construction, typically used to emphasize that a particular aspect or point has been given importance or highlighted. Ludwig shows numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

21%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was underscored" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to emphasize a previously mentioned point, as verified by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to highlight the importance of information. While synonyms like "was emphasized" or "was highlighted" exist, "was underscored" maintains a slightly more formal tone. It's essential to avoid overuse in overly simplistic sentences, as it may come across as needlessly formal. The phrase's pervasiveness across reputable sources solidifies its authority and appropriate usage in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was emphasized

Focus shifts to a more direct and common synonym for highlighting importance.

was highlighted

Emphasizes bringing something to the forefront, making it noticeable.

was stressed

Implies importance by placing emphasis and focus on it.

was accentuated

Highlights making something more noticeable and prominent.

was brought to the fore

Suggests actively moving something into a position of prominence.

was brought into focus

Indicates directing attention specifically to a particular aspect.

was made clear

Implies clarifying something that may have been previously ambiguous.

was reinforced

Suggests strengthening or confirming something that was already present.

was brought home

Conveys the idea of making something fully understood or appreciated.

was driven home

Similar to "was brought home" but with a stronger sense of persuasion or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "was underscored" in a sentence?

Use "was underscored" to emphasize a point that has already been mentioned or implied. For example, "The importance of teamwork "was underscored" during the training session."

What are some alternatives to "was underscored"?

You can use alternatives like "was emphasized", "was highlighted", or "was stressed" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "was emphasized" or "was underscored"?

"Was underscored" is slightly more formal. Both phrases are correct; the choice depends on the desired tone and context. Use "was emphasized" for a more direct tone, or "was underscored" for a more formal tone.

What does "was underscored" imply about the information being presented?

It implies that the information is particularly important or significant and that the audience should pay close attention to it. It suggests that the point "was brought into focus" to ensure it is not overlooked.