beyond the surface

USAGE SUMMARY

"beyond the surface" is a correct part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe something that goes beyond the basic facts to something more in-depth or further. For example, "His art went beyond the surface, revealing complex psychological themes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They're beyond the surface.

Independent

It did not go beyond the surface".

The New York Times

"The artist sees beyond the surface ugliness," Professor Marx said.

The New York Times

"They don't want to go beyond the surface.

The New York Times - Arts

Her admiration of wrinkles and crevices goes beyond the surface, however, to an intriguing concept.

The New York Times

Strickland is clearly not joking, though, at least beyond the surface.

The Guardian - Film

You may see multiple Lepages, or you may look beyond the surface.

The Guardian

But look beyond the surface and you'll find... well, you'll find the same thing.

The Guardian - Film

Sometimes it supplies essential context to help get beyond the surface impression of a public event.

The New York Times

Amiri Baraka, reading some Monk-related poems, didn't linger long enough to scratch beyond the surface.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, beyond the surface, those liberties are always limited.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beyond the surface", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the superficial aspect is and what deeper understanding is being sought. For example, "Beyond the surface statistics, the report reveals underlying economic disparities."

Common error

Avoid using "beyond the surface" when the topic inherently requires depth and complexity. Overusing it in such contexts diminishes its impact and suggests a misunderstanding of the subject's inherent nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond the surface" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, often used to describe how one should approach understanding a topic or situation. It suggests a need to delve deeper than initial impressions, as supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beyond the surface" serves as a call to deeper understanding and analysis, encouraging audiences to look past superficial aspects of a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. Its function is to prompt critical thinking and highlight underlying complexities. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in inherently complex topics. By considering alternatives like "deeper than it appears" and being mindful of context, you can effectively use "beyond the surface" to enrich your writing and encourage thoughtful engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath the facade

Emphasizes what is hidden or not immediately obvious, focusing on a deceptive appearance.

deeper than it appears

Highlights the hidden complexity or significance not readily perceived.

more than meets the eye

Indicates that the obvious or apparent information is incomplete or misleading.

at a deeper level

Specifies a more profound or thorough analysis or understanding.

in more detail

Suggests a further, more exhaustive examination of a topic.

past the obvious

Stresses the importance of looking further than what is immediately noticeable or apparent.

underlying reality

Refers to the fundamental truth or state of affairs that is not immediately apparent.

hidden aspects

Points to elements or attributes that are concealed or not easily discovered.

intrinsic nature

Focuses on the fundamental qualities or character of something.

true essence

Emphasizes uncovering the most important and defining quality of something.

FAQs

How can I use "beyond the surface" in a sentence?

Use "beyond the surface" to indicate a deeper level of analysis or understanding. For example, "Beyond the surface of the news story, there are complex political motivations at play."

What are some alternatives to using "beyond the surface"?

Alternatives include phrases like "deeper than it appears", "more than meets the eye", or "at a deeper level", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "beyond the surface" or "beneath the surface"?

Both phrases are valid, but "beyond the surface" suggests moving past an initial impression, while "beneath the surface" implies uncovering something hidden. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "beyond the surface"?

It's best to avoid using "beyond the surface" when discussing topics that inherently require in-depth analysis from the start. Overusing it can make your writing sound redundant or imply a lack of initial depth.