What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emphasise
Example
The speaker emphasised the need for more funding in education. [emphasised: past tense]
Example
I want to emphasise the importance of punctuality in this workplace. [emphasise: verb]
underscore
Example
The data underscores the need for more research in this area. [underscores: present tense]
Example
The report underscores the importance of addressing climate change. [underscores: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Emphasise is more commonly used in British English, while underscore is more commonly used in American English. Both words are commonly used in written and spoken communication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emphasise and underscore?
Both emphasise and underscore are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts.
