is directly under

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is directly under" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a position or location that is immediately below something else. Example: "The book is directly under the lamp on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Similarly, the Philippines' Commission on Filipinos Overseas CFOO) is directly under the Office of the President.

The Guardian

Ownership of online courses, meanwhile, is directly under the provost's office (the centralized administration).

The Guardian - Opinion

There is little natural light in the bay: the window is directly under a walkway.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"What is embarrassing for Congress is that, unlike Fannie and Freddie, the F.H.A. is directly under their purview.

The New York Times

Make sure that your elbow is directly under your shoulder, and that your ankles, knees and hips are lined up to keep the spine straight.

The New York Times

"The community is going to be very concerned," said Rob Webb, a city councilman whose district is directly under the airport's incoming flight path.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Thereafter it was directly under Delhi.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I think we were directly under the stage area.

Independent

"His hips are directly under his body, which is directly above his foot.

The New Yorker

The four main intelligence agencies are thought to be directly under the control of the president.

The Guardian

That platform, which was directly under the trade center concourse, will be closed indefinitely, transit officials said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial relationships, ensure clarity by specifying a point of reference. For example, instead of just stating "the pipe is directly under", specify "the pipe is directly under the sink".

Common error

Avoid assuming that being physically "directly under" implies control or influence. For example, just because a building "is directly under" a flight path doesn't mean the building owners have any control over the flights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is directly under" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a spatial relationship. As Ludwig AI states, it signifies that one entity is located immediately beneath another. Examples from Ludwig show this usage in contexts ranging from architecture to anatomy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

24%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is directly under" is a prepositional phrase commonly used to precisely describe the location of one thing immediately beneath another. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and wiki articles. While primarily used to indicate spatial relationships, it's crucial to ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning. Alternatives like "is right beneath" or "is immediately below" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is right beneath

Replaces "directly under" with a more informal synonym for immediately below.

is immediately below

Uses "immediately" for emphasis, indicating no space in between.

is situated beneath

More formal; describes a location in a more architectural or geographical context.

is vertically aligned with

Focuses on vertical alignment rather than direct covering.

falls directly beneath

Adds the aspect of something falling or extending downward.

is governed by

Shifts from physical location to indicating control or authority.

is subject to

Similar to "governed by", but implies influence or regulation.

is controlled by

Focuses specifically on who or what is in charge.

reports directly to

Indicates a hierarchical structure in a business or organizational context.

is accountable to

Highlights the responsibility aspect of being under someone's authority.

FAQs

How can I use "is directly under" in a sentence?

Use "is directly under" to indicate that one thing is positioned immediately below another. For example, "The Zankel Hall "is directly under" Carnegie Hall's main stage".

What are some alternatives to "is directly under"?

You can use alternatives such as "is right beneath", "is immediately below", or "is situated beneath", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is directly under"?

It's appropriate when you need to precisely describe the vertical spatial relationship between two objects or entities, emphasizing the immediate proximity of one beneath the other. For instance, you might say, "The foundation "is directly under" the main structure".

What's the difference between "is directly under" and "is under"?

"Is directly under" emphasizes the immediate vertical proximity, while "is under" can imply a more general or figurative relationship. For example, "the city "is under" siege" doesn't mean it's physically below something, but "the basement "is directly under" the living room" indicates spatial positioning.