it was underpinned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was underpinned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the foundational support or basis of an idea, argument, or structure. Example: "The theory was underpinned by extensive research and empirical evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was underpinned by its writer/director's bleak view of humanity.

Independent

In fact it was underpinned by foreign funds and technical assistance.

The Economist

During the Leveson inquiry, he warned that the rulings of a new press adjudicator would be constantly challenged in law if it was underpinned by statute.

The Guardian

A 2010 House of Commons science and technology committee report on homeopathy said the remedies performed no better than dummy pills and should not be funded on the NHS, adding that it was underpinned by principles that are "scientifically implausible".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was underpinned by a stubborn belief his team would finally click and the club's marquee, £14.5m summer signing, Georginio Wijnaldum, would eventually reveal the devastating talent that made the attacking midfielder such a hit at PSV Eindhoven last season.

The Guardian - Sport

It was underpinned Laing's philosophy that madness was a self-healing voyage.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Age: 28 Position: Wing Club: Bath Caps: 1 The rationale, such as it was, underpinning Stuart Lancaster's misplaced faith in Sam Burgess was size, size and more size.

Independent

The fascinating thing about On Such a Full Sea is that, for all its adventure narrative, it is underpinned by a solid and shrewd reading of present-day American economics.

The Guardian - Books

It is underpinned by "four strategic issues", says Ms Efunshile.

The Guardian

It is underpinned by "a far-reaching programme of public sector reform".

The Guardian

But invariably, and dangerously, it is underpinned by mixed-up economics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was underpinned" to clearly indicate that an idea, concept, or structure has a solid foundation or basis. For example, "The success of the project was underpinned by careful planning."

Common error

Avoid using "it was underpinned" when an active construction would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The decision it was underpinned by faulty data", consider "Faulty data underpinned the decision."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was underpinned" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject (idea, concept, system) received support or foundation from something else. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was underpinned" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that something is supported or based on a particular foundation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is valid and prevalent in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. While alternatives like "it was based on" or "it was supported by" exist, "it was underpinned" specifically emphasizes the underlying basis or rationale. When writing, ensure the passive voice is appropriate and that the foundational element is clearly identified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was based on

Focuses on the foundation or origin of something.

it was supported by

Highlights the support or validation received.

it relied upon

Emphasizes the dependence on something else.

it was grounded in

Stresses the fundamental nature of the basis.

it was founded on

Indicates the establishment of something on a particular basis.

it was predicated on

Suggests a logical dependence or assumption.

it was sustained by

Implies ongoing support and maintenance.

it was undergirded by

A more formal and emphatic way of saying 'underpinned'.

it was buttressed by

Highlights the reinforcement provided by something.

it stemmed from

Highlights the origin or source of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was underpinned" in a sentence?

Use "it was underpinned" to indicate that something is supported or based on a particular foundation. For example, "The study's conclusions "it was underpinned" by solid research."

What can I say instead of "it was underpinned"?

Alternatives to "it was underpinned" include "it was based on", "it was supported by", or "it relied upon". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "it was underpinned by" the same as "it underpinned"?

"It was underpinned by" is passive, indicating something was supported by something else. "It underpinned" is active, indicating something provided the support. For example, "The research underpinned the theory" (active) vs. "The theory "it was underpinned" by the research" (passive).

What's the difference between "it was underpinned" and "it was reinforced"?

"It was underpinned" emphasizes the foundational support, while "it was reinforced" suggests that something was strengthened or bolstered after its initial creation. For example, a building might be underpinned by a strong foundation and then reinforced with steel beams.