an underlying sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underlying sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or perception that is not immediately obvious but exists beneath the surface of a situation or context. Example: "Despite the cheerful atmosphere, there was an underlying sense of tension among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But life should have an underlying sense of order".

The New York Times

There is still an underlying sense here that what really matters is the food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There's an underlying sense of hysteria," she said, the cheery smile never vanishing.

The New York Times

And there is undeniably an underlying sense of Christian purpose to her work.

The New York Times

Well that's because he is trying to numb an underlying sense of existential panic.

The Guardian - Books

Most of it is raucous good fun, but there is frequently an underlying sense of threat.

The Guardian

"He brings in a sense of menace, an underlying sense of danger, to the role".

The New York Times

There's an underlying sense of tension in the story a fear that Murt might not make it.

The New Yorker

There's an air of beauty and seduction to it all – as well as an underlying sense of danger.

The Guardian - Arts

I think it lies somewhere in an underlying sense of rhythm, but it really does not enjoy analysis.

The Guardian

Liberty Hall is the ethos, with an underlying sense that visitors are themselves taking part in some democratic public event.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an underlying sense" to describe a feeling or perception that is not immediately obvious but contributes to the overall understanding of a situation. For example: "Despite the company's optimistic projections, there was "an underlying sense" of unease among the employees."

Common error

Avoid using "an underlying sense" as a vague or generic descriptor when a more specific emotion or perception can be identified. For example, instead of saying "There was "an underlying sense" of something wrong", specify the feeling: "There was an underlying sense of dread."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying sense" functions primarily as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a feeling or perception that is not immediately apparent but is present and influential, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underlying sense" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe a subtle or implicit feeling that influences a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic writing, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "a subtle feeling" or "an implicit awareness" exist, "an underlying sense" uniquely captures a nuanced perception contributing to an overall understanding. When using the phrase, ensure it precisely describes the intended feeling and avoids vagueness. Ludwig's examples showcase the breadth of its applications, cementing its place as a valuable tool for expressive and detailed communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle feeling

Focuses on the subtlety of the emotion or perception.

an implicit awareness

Highlights the unspoken or unstated nature of the understanding.

a hidden feeling

Emphasizes the concealed or not easily detected nature of the feeling.

a latent impression

Stresses that the impression is present but not yet fully developed or realized.

a subconscious recognition

Highlights the involvement of the subconscious mind in perceiving something.

a nagging feeling

Emphasizes a persistent and slightly unsettling feeling.

an intuition

Focuses on the instinctive nature of the perception.

a gut feeling

Similar to intuition but emphasizes the visceral, emotional nature of the feeling.

a prevailing mood

Focuses on the overall emotional atmosphere that is present.

a general impression

Highlights an overall feeling rather than a specific, defined perception.

FAQs

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

Use "an underlying sense" to describe a subtle or implicit feeling that influences a situation. For instance: "Despite the celebrations, there was "an underlying sense" of anxiety about the future."

What are some alternatives to "an underlying sense"?

You can use alternatives like "a subtle feeling", "an implicit awareness", or "a hidden feeling" to convey similar meanings to "an underlying sense".

Is it correct to say "an underlying feeling" instead of "an underlying sense"?

Yes, "an underlying feeling" is a valid alternative. The choice between "sense" and "feeling" often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Sense" implies a perception or awareness, while "feeling" refers more directly to an emotion.

What's the difference between "an underlying sense" and "a general feeling"?

"An underlying sense" suggests a subtle, not immediately obvious perception, while "a general feeling" implies a more widespread or easily discernible emotion. The former is more nuanced and less explicit.