behind the surface of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behind the surface of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a deeper meaning or hidden aspects of a situation, idea, or object. Example: "Behind the surface of her cheerful demeanor, she was struggling with personal issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

On one wall, there is a figure that appears to hide behind the surface of the wall.

The New York Times

It's a sense of the animating vital spark that's going on behind the surface of our lives, which is teeming under the skin of the natural world.

The Guardian - Music

"You really can get behind the surface of the watch," he says, "and understand why the worth of a watch is more than just its price".

The New York Times

Use the third dimension, in front of or behind the surface of a piece of paper or a computer screen, for foreign policy.

The New York Times

Thus, behind the surface of Malebranche's eliminative argument lies a deeper, more positive approach.

SEP

In myelomeningocele, the neural placode protrudes behind the surface of the skin (Fig. 6a, b, f), whereas in myeloschisis it is at the same level (Fig. 5c, d, f) [32].

Insights into Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

More specifically, when your chest rises your hips should be at their lowest position, and when your chest falls your hips should be at their highest position, with your behind breaking the surface of the water.

WikiHow

It removes stubs of proteins left behind on the surface of nerve cells and is needed to make other proteins, so completely blocking it would be problematic.

The New York Times - Health

These leave behind scars on the surface of the twig.

Wikipedia

In this scenario, light from the object behind is going to pass near the surface of the other and slow down.

Vice

What happened to him seemed also to happen in me, behind my eyes, on the surface of my skin, and when it happened I didn't think of how my mother looked with a baby on her hip, how my younger brothers and sisters shouted and screamed, or how awkward I felt at school.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behind the surface of" when you want to encourage a deeper exploration or understanding of a topic. It's effective for prompting critical thinking and uncovering hidden meanings or truths.

Common error

Avoid using "behind the surface of" in situations where a simpler term like 'under' or 'within' would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the surface of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or clause to indicate a hidden aspect or deeper meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to encourage further exploration beyond what is immediately apparent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behind the surface of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It encourages a deeper look into situations, ideas, or objects to uncover hidden meanings. While not overly common, its usage spans news, science, and general knowledge contexts. For alternative expressions, consider options like "beneath the veneer of" or "underlying the facade of", and remember to avoid overuse in simple contexts. By understanding its nuances, you can use this phrase effectively to enhance your writing and promote critical thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath the veneer of

Replaces 'surface' with 'veneer', emphasizing a deceptive or superficial outer layer.

underlying the facade of

Substitutes 'behind' with 'underlying' and 'surface' with 'facade', highlighting a deceptive or artificial front.

at the heart of

Offers a more direct and concise way of indicating the core or essence of something.

concealed within

Focuses on the hidden nature of something, suggesting it's deliberately kept from view.

hidden beneath

Similar to 'beneath', but more explicitly emphasizes the act of hiding.

lying underneath

Uses 'lying' to suggest a static or inherent quality beneath the surface.

the reality of

Replaces the entire phrase with a more direct reference to the true state of affairs.

the truth about

Similar to 'the reality of', focusing on uncovering factual information.

what's really going on

An informal alternative that emphasizes the need to understand the true situation.

the deeper implications of

Highlights the less obvious or immediately apparent consequences and significance.

FAQs

How can I use "behind the surface of" in a sentence?

Use "behind the surface of" to suggest there's more to something than what is immediately apparent. For example: "Behind the surface of his confident demeanor, he was quite nervous."

What are some alternatives to "behind the surface of"?

You can use alternatives like "beneath the veneer of", "underlying the facade of", or "at the heart of" depending on the context.

What does "behind the surface of" imply?

It implies that there are hidden aspects, deeper meanings, or underlying truths that are not immediately obvious and require further investigation or analysis.

Is it appropriate to use "behind the surface of" in formal writing?

Yes, it's suitable for formal writing when you want to convey the idea of hidden complexities or underlying realities. However, ensure its use enhances clarity and doesn't sound overly verbose. Always consider if a simpler phrase would be more effective.