HTML <u> element

The <u> element represents text with a non-textual annotation: a visual mark that tells the reader something about the text without adding words. Marking a spelling error is a useful example.

Think of a teacher underlining a misspelled word. The underline points out the error; it does not correct it. In the example below, recieve is deliberately misspelled and marked with <u>. The correct spelling is receive. Another use is marking a proper name in some Chinese writing contexts.

Many people remember <u> simply as "underline," and browsers usually underline it by default. On the web, however, an underline can look like a link. The surrounding explanation and styling should make the purpose of the mark clear.

For an underline that is purely part of the design, use CSS text-decoration: underline. Choose <u> when the mark communicates an annotation about the text.

The <ins> element is also often underlined, but records text added to a document. Marking a spelling error with <u> says something about the word, not when it was added.

Attributes: GLOBALS.

Typical layout:
<p>
  I hope to
  <u>recieve</u>
  your reply.
</p>

Visual representation: