were underscored in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were underscored in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize or highlight specific points or themes in a discussion or text. Example: "The key issues were underscored in the final report, making it clear what needed to be addressed moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The party's democratic credentials were underscored in 1981 when it opposed a coup attempt by disaffected conservatives in the military.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the limits of such a campaign were underscored in January when one of Mexico's most infamous drug barons, Joaquin Guzman, escaped from prison, apparently after bribing guards.

The New York Times

Those fears were underscored in 1997, when the newly appointed drug czar, Gen. Jesús Gutiérrez Rebollo, was arrested and convicted as the henchman of a leading cocaine kingpin.

The New York Times

The Chinese concerns were underscored in recent weeks by the uprising by Uighurs, a Muslim ethnic group, in the Chinese region that borders Central Asia.

The New York Times

The depravity and brutality that characterizes these places were underscored in Texas, where allegations of sexual abuse by workers prompted wholesale firings and a reorganization of the state's juvenile justice agency.

The New York Times

This is a daunting prospect for prison officials whose difficulties in keeping pace with the present dementia caseload were underscored in a recent report by The Times's Pam Belluck.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The problem is underscored in an eye-opening study by Stanford University's Center for Research on Education Outcomes.

The New York Times

That is underscored in a campaign from his agency for the attractions of Panama City Beach, Fla.

The New York Times

This aspect of DFW's renown is underscored in The End of the Tour as well.

The Guardian - Books

The plight is underscored in "Frogs: A Chorus of Colors," on view at the American Museum of Natural History.

The New York Times - Science

The power of the tabloid press to help silence women has been underscored in recent weeks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were underscored in" to emphasize the significance of a particular event, fact, or idea within a specific context. This highlights its importance to the overall narrative or argument.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "were underscored in" if it obscures the actor or agent performing the action. If possible, rephrase to use active voice for clearer, more direct writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were underscored in" functions as a passive construction used to emphasize that something was given prominence or importance within a particular situation or context. Ludwig confirms this phrase is valid.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were underscored in" serves to highlight or emphasize something within a particular context. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, showing it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media. Alternatives include "were highlighted in" or "were emphasized in". While accurate, it is best to ensure that the actor is specified by using the active voice rather than the passive to improve clarity and make the writing more concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were highlighted in

Focuses on bringing attention to something, similar to underscoring.

were emphasized in

Directly conveys that something was given importance.

were stressed in

Indicates a point was given particular focus or importance.

were brought to the forefront in

Suggests moving something into a position of prominence.

were given prominence in

Emphasizes the act of making something stand out.

were brought into focus in

Highlights the act of making something clear and distinct.

were accentuated in

Implies that something was made more noticeable or prominent.

were foregrounded in

Places something in the most important or prominent position.

were called attention to in

Directly states that attention was drawn to something.

were made apparent in

Focuses on making something evident or clear.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were underscored in" is used to highlight or emphasize something within a specific context. For example, "The key issues "were underscored in" the final report."

What are some alternatives to "were underscored in"?

You can use alternatives like "were highlighted in", "were emphasized in", or "were stressed in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "were underscored in"?

While "were underscored in" is in passive voice, it is grammatically correct. However, consider using the active voice if it makes the sentence clearer and more direct, such as by rephrasing the sentence.

What does "were underscored in" mean?

"Were underscored in" means that something was emphasized or highlighted, making it more noticeable or important within a particular context or situation.