an undercurrent of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an undercurrent of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle feeling that lies beneath the surface of a situation or conversation. For example, "There was an undercurrent of tension in the room as they discussed the exam results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is an undercurrent of demand".

The New York Times

There was also an undercurrent of frustration.

The New Yorker

But there was an undercurrent of disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

There was an undercurrent of anxiety through their conversation.

The New York Times

But there's also an undercurrent of fatalism here.

The New Yorker

There was an undercurrent of violence, a policy of harshness.

The New York Times

Lately, it has been carrying an undercurrent of candor.

The New York Times - Sports

Mosley projected confidence, with an undercurrent of melancholy.

The New Yorker

When that happened, an undercurrent of displeasure surfaced.

The New York Times - Sports

But amid the enthusiasm ran an undercurrent of bewilderment.

The New York Times

Fear of death is an undercurrent of belief.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an undercurrent of" to subtly introduce a feeling, idea, or influence that isn't immediately obvious but is still present and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "an undercurrent of" when the feeling or idea is overt or dominant. The phrase implies subtlety, so reserve it for situations where the presence is noticeable but not overwhelming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an undercurrent of" functions as a qualifier or modifier, adding depth and nuance to the description of a situation or feeling. It suggests something that is present but not immediately apparent. Ludwig's examples show it being used to describe a variety of subtle emotional states, from anxiety to tension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an undercurrent of" is a versatile phrase used to describe subtle but palpable feelings, ideas, or influences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly within news and media. The phrase functions as a qualifier, adding depth and nuance to descriptions by hinting at hidden or less obvious aspects. When writing, use "an undercurrent of" to enrich your sentences by introducing nuanced emotions and latent conditions. Be mindful not to use it when the feeling or idea is overt; reserve it for instances where the presence is noticeable but not overpowering. By considering its grammatical correctness, frequency, and purpose, you can effectively use "an undercurrent of" to convey subtlety and complexity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a current of

Simplifies the original phrase by omitting "under", focusing on the flow or influence.

an underlying feeling of

This alternative directly points to a feeling that exists beneath the surface, much like an undercurrent.

a hint of

This alternative suggests a slight or subtle indication of something, similar to an undercurrent.

a subtle sense of

This phrase emphasizes the understated nature of the feeling or presence, akin to an undercurrent.

a suggestion of

This highlights the indirect or subtle nature of the hint or feeling.

a quiet indication of

This suggests a subtle and not overtly expressed indication of something.

a trace of

Similar to "a hint of", this suggests a very small amount or indication of something.

a touch of

This alternative suggests a slight amount or influence, similar to an undercurrent.

a low-key sense of

This alternative emphasizes the subdued or restrained nature of the feeling or presence.

a faint air of

This phrase evokes a delicate or subtle atmosphere or impression.

FAQs

How can I use "an undercurrent of" in a sentence?

You can use "an undercurrent of" to describe a subtle feeling, idea, or influence that exists beneath the surface of a situation. For example: "There was "an undercurrent of tension" in the meeting."

What's a good alternative to "an undercurrent of"?

Alternatives include "a hint of", "a subtle sense of", or "an underlying feeling of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "an" before "undercurrent of"?

Yes, "an" is generally required because "undercurrent" starts with a vowel sound. Omitting it would be grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

How does "an undercurrent of" differ from "a wave of"?

"An undercurrent of" suggests something subtle and persistent, while "a wave of" implies a sudden, strong surge of a feeling or emotion. They describe different intensities and durations.