an underlying love

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'an underlying love' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a strong feeling or emotion that exists beneath the surface of a relationship or situation. For example: "Though their arguing was fierce, there was still an underlying love between them".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There can be no "right thing" unless it proceeds from an underlying love for those we are trying to help.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But creation is a work of love.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Despite our best intentions and the underlying love we feel, such a pattern feeds on itself.

Huffington Post

They may complain about it, but like an old woman speaking of her spouse, the underlying love is far stronger than the criticism.

TechCrunch

It is an affectionate song, alluding to his and Lennon's mismatched temperaments and to Lennon's spikiness, but also to their underlying love.

The New York Times - Books

"The little things we dislike about each other are insignificant in the whole unity of the family, the underlying love we have for each other".

The New York Times - Books

Such magic occurs in the scene between Humpty and Alice, and when Mr. DiStasi's Dodgson makes palpable the underlying love and overarching fantasy that define his work.

The New York Times

It is fortunate, then, that his son's rebellion forces him to take action and bring the more generous aspects of his underlying love to the fore.

The Guardian - Books

"We embrace a spirit of adventure," she writes," along with the richness of our family's cultural diversity and absolute certainty of our underlying love for each other".

Huffington Post

As the group warms up to the increased tempo, the intensity follows but never upstages the underlying love that seems to pour from McCaslin's horn.

HuffPost

There is something special in being surrounded by your own blood, suffocated by the constant arguing, overwhelmed by the underlying love.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an underlying love" to suggest a deeper connection or affection that may not be immediately apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "an underlying love" when the affection is already overt or well-established. It's best used to reveal a hidden or less obvious connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying love" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing a feeling or emotion that is not immediately apparent but exists beneath the surface. This is consistent with the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underlying love" is a noun phrase that describes a hidden or less obvious affection. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and functions to reveal a deeper emotional connection not immediately apparent. While relatively rare in overall usage, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aptly describes a connection that isn't overt. Consider alternatives like "a deep-seated affection" or "a hidden affection" depending on the specific context. Ludwig AI ensures the expression is suitable across a range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep-seated affection

Emphasizes the deeply rooted nature of the affection.

a fundamental fondness

Highlights the basic and essential nature of the fondness.

a core affection

Highlights affection as a central and vital component.

a hidden affection

Focuses on the concealed or unexpressed nature of the affection.

a concealed love

Emphasizes that the love is kept secret or hidden.

an unspoken affection

Indicates that the affection is not verbally expressed.

a basic tenderness

Highlights the simple and essential nature of the tenderness.

a latent affection

Focuses on the potential and not yet realized affection.

an implicit affection

Suggests that the affection is implied but not directly stated.

a silent devotion

Highlights the quiet and unwavering nature of the devotion.

FAQs

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

You can use "an underlying love" to describe a hidden or less obvious affection between people or towards something. For instance, "Despite their constant bickering, there was an underlying love that bound them together."

What are some alternatives to "an underlying love"?

You can use alternatives like "a deep-seated affection", "a fundamental fondness", or "a hidden affection" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an underlying love"?

It's appropriate when describing a connection that exists beneath the surface, perhaps not immediately visible but still present and influencing the relationship or situation.

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

"An underlying love" suggests a deeper, more profound connection, while "a surface-level attraction" implies a more superficial or immediate appeal that lacks substantial emotional depth.