an underlying passion

USAGE SUMMARY

"an underlying passion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong emotion or belief that someone has, but that is not necessarily obvious or that is kept hidden from others. For example, "He always keeps his emotions in check, but underneath it all there is an underlying passion driving him forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And yet, especially in "Cesena," there seems to be an underlying passion, conveyed, above all, in the dance's counterpoint between the movement and the beautiful, pre-harmonic fourteenth-century music.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This confirms one's suspicion that the dry format deflects and disguises a deep underlying passion.

The New York Times - Books

And yet, in my experience, dedication is a byproduct of one's underlying passion for and belief in their idea -- and its ability to transform a market, an industry, or even, the world.

Huffington Post

Mr. Pollini devoted his first half to two colorful, explosive Beethoven sonatas, the "Tempest" Sonata (Op. 31, No. 2) and the "Appassionata" (Op. 57), and he played them with a compulsive drive that magnified both their surface drama and their underlying passion.

The New York Times - Arts

But you should always be able to pinpoint the underlying passion that drove you to start meeting the goal in the first place.

WikiHow

But the underlying passions are the same: impulse, emotions, desperation and finally the moral lessons we learn from life.

Huffington Post

But a relocation of the Islanders to Brooklyn would do little to solve an underlying problem — the presence of three N.H.L. teams in the New York area, where hockey is not an overriding passion.

The New York Times - Sports

And an underlying motive: oil.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was an underlying deep physical attraction.

The New York Times

However, this will leave an underlying instability.

The Economist

There is an underlying rumbling for change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an underlying passion" to add depth to character descriptions or to explain unspoken motivations in narratives. It suggests more than what is immediately apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "an underlying passion" to describe simple likes or preferences. Reserve it for situations where the passion is genuinely profound or hidden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying passion" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, specifying the nature of the passion. It describes a deep, often unspoken, emotion or motivation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suggests a hidden intensity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underlying passion" describes a deep-seated and often concealed enthusiasm or motivation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability in English. While relatively rare in usage, it effectively conveys a hidden intensity, primarily in news, general writing, and scientific contexts. To maximize impact, use it in contexts where you want to suggest unspoken motivations or reveal hidden depths. Avoid simplistic contexts to maintain its profound impact. Overall, it's a valuable phrase for adding depth and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hidden fervor

Focuses on the concealed nature and intensity of the emotion.

a latent zeal

Highlights the potential and subdued quality of the enthusiasm.

a deep-seated enthusiasm

Highlights the profound and firmly established nature of the feeling.

a bedrock passion

Stresses the foundational and unwavering nature of the passion.

a suppressed enthusiasm

Emphasizes the act of holding back or controlling the emotion.

a secret drive

Implies a private and compelling motivation.

a fundamental motivation

Emphasizes the foundational and driving force behind actions.

a veiled interest

Suggests a deliberately concealed or subtly expressed interest.

a muted ardor

Conveys a softened or restrained intensity of feeling.

an intrinsic desire

Focuses on the inherent and natural longing or inclination.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an underlying passion" in a sentence?

Use "an underlying passion" to describe a strong emotion or motivation that is not immediately obvious. For example, "Despite his calm demeanor, there was an underlying passion driving his ambition."

What are some alternatives to "an underlying passion"?

Alternatives include "a hidden fervor", "a latent zeal", or "a deep-seated enthusiasm", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "an underlying passion" and "a surface-level interest"?

"An underlying passion" refers to a deep, often unspoken enthusiasm, while "a surface-level interest" is a casual or fleeting liking. The former suggests a strong driving force, whereas the latter implies a lack of profound engagement.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "an underlying passion"?

This phrase is best used in contexts where there's a need to highlight a deeper, less visible motivation, particularly in narratives or character studies where hidden depths are being explored.