an underlying interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underlying interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental or hidden motivation or concern that influences behavior or decisions. Example: "The negotiations were complicated by an underlying interest in maintaining long-term partnerships."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Common law had even questioned the enforceability of side bets decoupled from an underlying interest (so-called "difference contracts").

Harvard University

But while Mr. Casebere is very much a storyteller, he also has an underlying interest in artifice and to some extent abstraction itself.

The New York Times - Arts

Municipalities, for instance, may not be allowed to buy or sell derivatives unless these are clearly matched by an underlying interest (a loan that needs hedging, say).

The Economist

Science media use, inasmuch as it also represents an underlying interest in science, has similarly been found to have a significant role in some studies.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

The positive response suggests there may be an underlying interest and need for ongoing EHR training, at least within the KPMAS environment.

BMC Health Services Research

A common reason for the initiation of the CAM programs visited was an underlying interest in the center, catalyzed by a directed donation or endowment fund (usually $1 10 M USD).

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In our next example, we consider the pricing of an American call option with a maturity of T o =5 years on a coupon bond with a maturity of 10 years when the underlying interest rate model is CIR.

Mathematical Sciences

CASM is therefore open to papers from these two distinct communities of multidisciplinary researchers with an underlying common interest in modeling the same type of systems i.e. CAS.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Though geographically vaguer, that response is an attempt to get at what I suspect is their underlying interest in the street map's socioeconomic overlay.

The New York Times - Arts

The government's underlying interest, characterized by the Court as resting upon "a perceived need to preserve the flag's status as a symbol of our Nation and certain national ideals,"1613 still related to the suppression of free expression.

Cornell University

For Dr. Paik, the underlying interest is in how social networks operate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an underlying interest", ensure it clearly connects to the subsequent explanation or action. This establishes a direct link between the motivation and its manifestation.

Common error

Don't use "an underlying interest" without providing specific details about what that interest entails. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying interest" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. Ludwig indicates the phrase follows standard grammar rules. It identifies a less obvious, yet fundamental motivation or concern.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underlying interest" is a versatile phrase used to denote a less obvious, yet fundamental motivation or concern. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase adheres to standard grammar rules and is applicable across various contexts, as supported by examples from news sources, scientific publications, and academic writings. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it is crucial to clearly connect the interest to its manifestation, ensuring clarity and avoiding vagueness. Alternatives such as "a fundamental concern" or "a hidden motive" can be employed to nuance the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental concern

Emphasizes the basic, essential nature of the concern, shifting focus from interest to worry.

a primary motivation

Points to the main driving force behind actions, emphasizing its importance.

a hidden motive

Highlights the concealed nature of the motivation, implying secrecy or ulterior purpose.

a latent desire

Focuses on a suppressed or not yet realized aspiration, adding a sense of potential.

a basic inclination

Underscores the natural tendency or predisposition, portraying it as inherent.

a root cause

Highlights the fundamental origin of a problem or issue, shifting the focus to causality.

an intrinsic connection

Highlights the inherent link or relationship, emphasizing inseparability.

a central theme

Emphasizes the recurring or unifying idea, focusing on thematic relevance.

a core value

Focuses on the deeply held belief or principle, emphasizing its significance.

a unifying principle

Stresses the common factor that brings elements together, highlighting cohesion.

FAQs

How can I use "an underlying interest" in a sentence?

Use "an underlying interest" to describe a hidden or less obvious reason or motivation behind someone's actions or opinions. For example, "The politician's support for the bill revealed an underlying interest in pleasing his donors."

What's the difference between "an underlying interest" and "a surface-level interest"?

"An underlying interest" refers to a deeper, perhaps less obvious, motivation, while "a surface-level interest" is a more apparent or superficial one. The former is often the true driving force, while the latter might be a facade.

What can I say instead of "an underlying interest"?

You can use alternatives like "a hidden motive", "a fundamental concern", or "a latent desire" depending on the context.

Is "an underlying interest" the same as a conflict of interest?

No, "an underlying interest" is a more general term for a motivation or concern, while a conflict of interest specifically refers to a situation where someone's personal interests could compromise their professional duties.