directly below

USAGE SUMMARY

"directly below" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is often used to refer to a specific section of a document, or text on a page. For example: "The information you are looking for is located directly below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The lizard directly below, full fathom five.

The New Yorker

Now there is a nursery on the floor directly below".

The Guardian

Directly below, six floors down, people waiting for a bus.

The New Yorker

In the courtroom directly below, a double murder trial was taking place.

The New York Times - Sports

Directly below is the Underground Stage, located in the abyss of Hart Plaza.

The Guardian - Music

Hempstead's cell was directly below the shower.

The New Yorker

Here's what we're talking about, directly below.

The New York Times

What was directly below the gates and the roadway?

The New Yorker

The Beach Hut, directly below Fifteen, is more low-key.

The Guardian - Travel

The officer's apartment was directly below Jean's, he said.

The Washington Post

Blunt contact causes injury directly below the contact point.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial relationships, ensure "directly below" is used to indicate a clear and immediate vertical alignment. Avoid using it when there's an obstruction or significant distance between the two objects.

Common error

Avoid using "directly below" when "slightly below" is more appropriate. "Directly below" implies a closer, more immediate proximity, whereas "slightly below" suggests a small but noticeable difference in vertical position. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the spatial relationship you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directly below" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a location immediately underneath something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used to describe spatial relationships. The numerous examples illustrate this function clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "directly below" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies a location immediately underneath something else. As Ludwig AI validates, it is suitable for use in written English across a variety of contexts. Its neutral register and clear communicative purpose make it a reliable choice for describing spatial relationships. While primarily found in News & Media sources, it also appears commonly in Wiki and Academic content. Remember to use "directly below" to convey a precise, immediate vertical alignment, and consider alternatives like "immediately underneath" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately underneath

Emphasizes the lack of any intervening space or object.

right underneath

Adds a sense of immediacy and precision to the location.

vertically beneath

Highlights the vertical alignment of the position.

straight under

A more informal way of expressing the same spatial relationship.

precisely beneath

Suggests an exact and careful positioning.

just below

Indicates a close proximity in a downward direction.

underneath

A more general term for being in a lower position.

beneath

A more formal synonym for underneath.

lower down

Focuses on the comparative vertical position.

at a lower level

Describes the position in terms of different levels.

FAQs

How can I use "directly below" in a sentence?

You can use "directly below" to indicate something is positioned immediately underneath something else, for example: "The restaurant is located "directly below" the hotel lobby."

What are some alternatives to using "directly below"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "immediately underneath", "right underneath", or "vertically beneath".

Is it correct to say "directly under" instead of "directly below"?

While "directly under" and "directly below" are often interchangeable, "directly below" typically implies a sense of vertical alignment and a clear spatial relationship, making it generally more precise.

What's the difference between "directly below" and "slightly below"?

"Directly below" indicates that something is positioned immediately underneath, whereas "slightly below" suggests that something is at a lower position, but not necessarily immediately underneath. The key difference is in the immediacy and proximity of the spatial relationship.