lurking beneath the surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lurking beneath the surface" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is hidden or not immediately visible, often implying a sense of danger or underlying issues. Example: "While the project seemed to be progressing smoothly, there were several problems lurking beneath the surface that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hence the dangerous (for liberals) question lurking beneath the surface of the Akin controversy.

The New York Times

But, as my recent paper explores, there are agency costs lurking beneath the surface of these clauses.

Columbia University

But there' are sharper ideas lurking beneath the surface on "Shake What God Gave Ya," his third album.

The New York Times - Arts

From Loch Ness in Scotland to Tele in Congo, lakes breed legends of monsters lurking beneath the surface.

The Economist

His lookouts just couldn't see the iceberg spar lurking beneath the surface in their path until it was too late.

The New York Times

They are, for the most part, invisible, single-celled microbes and cobwebs of wispy mycelial thread, lurking beneath the surface of things.

The New Yorker

The third element is the sense of transcendence: "My Struggle" is full of quasi-religious moments when the author sees something bigger lurking beneath the surface of events.

The Economist

I find the air so thick with animosity, so heavy with the weight of historical grievances, that any thinness lurking beneath the surface doesn't stand a chance.

The New York Times - Travel

She talked of the discontent lurking beneath the surface and the politics of meaning". Indeed, this theme runs deep in Mrs. Clinton's sense of things.

The New York Times - Magazine

But anger from the 2013 shooting never went away, lurking beneath the surface until Tuesday night, when it exploded again into the open.

The Washington Post

Samantha Joye's research team from the University of Georgia believes that more oil is lurking beneath the surface of the water.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "lurking beneath the surface" to add depth and intrigue to your writing, suggesting hidden complexities or potential problems that are not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "lurking beneath the surface" too frequently in your writing. While effective, overuse can make your prose sound repetitive and melodramatic. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "underlying issue" or "hidden below" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lurking beneath the surface" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe something that is not immediately visible or obvious, often implying a sense of hidden danger, problems, or complexities. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a commonly used phrase across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lurking beneath the surface" is a versatile and frequently used expression that adds depth and intrigue to writing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it aptly describes hidden or non-obvious elements, often with negative connotations. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to use it judiciously and be mindful of the specific context. Consider alternative phrases like "underlying issue" or "hidden below" to avoid overuse and maintain reader engagement. Its prevalent use in news and media highlights its effectiveness in drawing attention to concealed problems or tensions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden below

This alternative provides a more direct and less figurative description of something concealed.

concealed underneath

Similar to "hidden below" but adds a layer of physical concealment.

underlying issue

Focuses on the idea of a problem or concern that isn't immediately apparent.

veiled threat

Specifically implies a hidden danger or menace.

latent problem

Highlights the potential for a problem to emerge in the future.

subcutaneous tension

Emphasizes a feeling of unease or stress that is not openly expressed.

masked agenda

Suggests that someone has a secret intention or goal.

covert operation

This alternative suggests secrecy and planning, often with a negative connotation.

unseen danger

Focuses on the hazardous aspect of something not visible.

camouflaged element

Highlights how something is disguised or blends into its surroundings to avoid detection.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "lurking beneath the surface" in a sentence?

Use "lurking beneath the surface" to imply that there are hidden issues or unspoken tensions that are not immediately apparent. For example, "Despite the company's apparent success, financial troubles were "lurking beneath the surface"."

What are some alternatives to "lurking beneath the surface" that I can use?

You can use alternatives such as "hidden below", "underlying issue", or "concealed underneath" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lurking beneath the surface" appropriate for formal writing?

While "lurking beneath the surface" is widely understood, it might be considered somewhat informal for certain academic or professional contexts. In those cases, alternatives like "underlying issue" or "latent problem" might be more suitable.

How does "lurking beneath the surface" differ from simply saying something is "hidden"?

"Lurking beneath the surface" not only implies that something is hidden, but also often suggests a sense of potential danger, unease, or negative consequences that are waiting to emerge. "Hidden" is a more neutral term, while "lurking beneath the surface" carries a stronger connotation.