is underlain by

USAGE SUMMARY

"is underlain by" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to be supported or based upon something. For example, "The success of this project is underlain by the dedication and hard work of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The coal seam is underlain by a seat-earth (underclay).

Britannica

It is underlain by the top of the Wenlock Series.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Approximately 90% of the area is underlain by continuous permafrost.

Global and Planetary Change

The White Sands dune field is underlain by saline waters.

Geomorphology

The island is underlain by sedimentary rocks, cut by still-active faults.

The Guardian

Most of the terrace surface is underlain by point bar deposits.

Britannica

The Burdigalian Stage is underlain by the Aquitanian Stage and overlain by the Langhian Stage.

Britannica

Much of Iceland is underlain by basalt, a dark rock of igneous origin.

Britannica

In the east the okrug is underlain by part of the Pechora coal basin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is underlain by the Hirnantian Stage of the Upper Ordovician Series.

Britannica

An upper layer of hard dolomite is underlain by softer layers of shale.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is underlain by" when you want to emphasize a foundational or supporting layer beneath something else. It's especially useful in geological, geographical, and abstract contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is underlain by" in contexts where "is influenced by" or "is affected by" would be more appropriate. The phrase implies a physical or structural foundation, not just a general influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is underlain by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is supported or based upon something else. This usage is supported by Ludwig, highlighting its correctness and applicability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

36%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

News & Media

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is underlain by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It primarily serves to describe the foundational layer or support structure of something, whether physical or abstract. As the Ludwig examples illustrate, it is most commonly found in scientific, encyclopedic, and geographical contexts. While versatile, it is important to use it where a literal or structural foundation is implied, avoiding contexts where simple influence is meant. Remember that alternatives such as "is based on" or "is supported by" can provide suitable substitutes depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is based on

Focuses on the foundational aspect, emphasizing that something is built upon a base or principle.

is supported by

Highlights the support provided by a foundation, suggesting stability and reinforcement.

rests on

Implies that something relies heavily on a base, often suggesting a critical dependence.

is grounded in

Emphasizes a solid and fundamental basis, suggesting a natural or inherent connection.

is founded on

Focuses on the establishment of something on a particular base or set of principles.

has its roots in

Highlights the origin and development of something from a particular source or foundation.

is predicated on

Indicates that something is affirmed or based on a specific condition or assumption.

is bottomed on

Suggests that something has a firm base or is rooted deeply in a foundation.

is built upon

Emphasizes the incremental development of something on a pre-existing base.

derives from

Indicates that something originates or stems from a particular source or foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "is underlain by" in a sentence?

Use "is underlain by" to describe something that is situated beneath something else. For example, "The city "is underlain by" a network of ancient catacombs."

What's a good substitute for "is underlain by"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is based on", "is supported by", or "rests on".

Is it correct to say "is underlain with" instead of "is underlain by"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "underlain" in this context is "by". "Is underlain with" is grammatically incorrect.

In what contexts is "is underlain by" most commonly used?

"Is underlain by" is frequently used in scientific, geographical, and geological contexts to describe subsurface layers or foundations. It can also be used metaphorically to describe underlying principles or causes.