What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underlining
Example
I always underline the key points in my notes. [underline: verb]
Example
The underlining in the document made it easier to find the main ideas. [underlining: noun]
underscore
Example
The report underscored the importance of teamwork. [underscore: verb]
Example
The underscore in the email subject made it clear what the message was about. [underscore: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Underlining is more common in everyday language, while underscore is more common in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between underlining and underscore?
Underscore is generally considered more formal than underlining, and is often used in technical or academic writing.