underline
/ˌʌndəˈlaɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌndərˈlaɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈən-dər-ˌlīn ˌən-dər-ˈlīn/ (ame, mw)
underline — verb
- underlinepresent simple I / you / we / they
- underlineshe / she / it
- underlinedpast simple
- underlining-ing form
1. to write a straight line underneath a word, phrase, or sentence so that it stand
to write a straight line underneath a word, phrase, or sentence so that it stands out from the rest of the text.
Yael underlined the key dates in her notebook so she would not miss them.
underline + noun phrase for emphasis in notes
The teacher told the class to underline every verb in the short story.
Amani underlined the title of his essay with a red pen before handing it in.
When reading a textbook, Naoko underlines important sentences in yellow pencil.
The proofreader underlined the misspelled word and wrote a note in the margin.
- underscore
more formal or technical; common in computing (e.g., underscore character _)
- mark
broader meaning — can mean any kind of written sign, not just a line underneath
- highlight
can mean using a bright marker pen to cover text, not just drawing a line
文法句型
underline + noun phrase
用法筆記
Common in note-taking, studying, and proofreading. The passive form — e.g., 'the word was underlined in red' — is also frequent.
常見錯誤
2. to call strong attention to a fact, idea, or need by stating it clearly or by gi
to call strong attention to a fact, idea, or need by stating it clearly or by giving it special weight in what you do.
The government report underlines the need for more affordable housing in cities.
underline + noun phrase (abstract object: need/importance)
Dario underlined that even small donations can make a real difference to the charity.
underline + that-clause
The accident underlined how dangerous it is to drive while using a mobile phone.
This year's sales figures underline the growing popularity of electric cars.
Iris underlined her point by showing before-and-after photos of the cleaned beach.
文法句型
underline + noun phrase
underline + that-clause
用法筆記
The object is often an abstract noun such as 'importance', 'need', 'danger', or 'significance'. This sense also commonly takes a that-clause or a wh-clause. Compare with sense 1 (DRAW LINE UNDER), which is always literal.
常見錯誤
underline — noun
1. a straight line drawn beneath a word or group of words, often used to show impor
a straight line drawn beneath a word or group of words, often used to show importance, indicate an error, or produce a visual effect.
Heloísa added a neat underline beneath the chapter title on the first page.
The red underline on the screen told me that I had typed the name wrong.
colour + underline for spell-check feedback
Pedro drew a thin underline below each answer he was unsure about.
A thick underline under the date made it stand out on the calendar page.
The software adds a wavy green underline to show a grammar problem.
- underscore
especially common in computing (the underscore character _) and in formal writing contexts
- line
much more general; refers to any straight mark, not specifically one placed under text
文法句型
adjective + underline
underline + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Commonly used in the context of word-processing software: a red underline usually signals a spelling error, while a green one signals a grammar issue. In handwritten work, an underline is added deliberately to draw attention.