lurking underneath

USAGE SUMMARY

"lurking underneath" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to describe something that is hidden or not visible but is present. For example, "There was a strange feeling lurking underneath the surface of the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

One can only hope that casting directors will see through her adequate performance in a poorly written role to the actress lurking underneath).

The New Yorker

"Now there is an appreciation of things that are more prim and proper, with just a hint of depths lurking underneath".

The New York Times - Style

When I read Gross and others, what I think is lurking underneath is a belief that capitalists are entitled to good returns on their capital, even if it's just parked in safe assets.

The New York Times

Lurking underneath is an implementing budget that would put 59 million Medicare beneficiaries at risk of higher costs and fewer choices by replacing their earned Medicare coverage with a fixed dollar amount, or voucher, to buy private insurance.

The Washington Post

The gallery's pungent "Bourbon vanilla" (the best beans once came from the French "Bourbon" islands in the Indian Ocean) was like one of Tiepolo's rococo clouds: White at first glance, but with a dozen other tones lurking underneath to give it heft.

The Washington Post

(Zvereva, who resembles the movie ingénue Kirsten Dunst, is making her New York stage début in "Memory House". One can only hope that casting directors will see through her adequate performance in a poorly written role to the actress lurking underneath).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Her sympathy lurked underneath, and she would measure it out carefully... like putting a spoonful of eau de vie into coffee to give you courage on a cold morning". These early scenes are deceptively conventional: shades of Bernanos, Mauriac.

Los Angeles Times

Roses exist in the world of snails that chew the leaves, aphids that suck the sap, moths that lay eggs in hidden crevices and cats that lurk underneath to wait for a bird to alight.

Huffington Post

Yes, we have made progress -- of this there can be no doubt -- but it is what lurks underneath, it is what people feel they are rightfully entitled to (e.g., Pat Buchanan's very recent rant against Judge Sotomayor and protecting white men in America) that drives them to denigrate and deride others.

Huffington Post

In fact, by ignoring the issue, it simply lurks underneath the surface.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet tensions lurked underneath the "I Love MCR" face paint and strained cheer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lurking underneath" to suggest something is present but not immediately obvious, often with a negative or ominous connotation. Ensure the context supports this subtle implication.

Common error

Avoid using "lurking underneath" in purely descriptive contexts where a more straightforward term like "below" or "under" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when implying a hidden or potentially problematic element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lurking underneath" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a hidden or underlying presence. It suggests something is not immediately visible but is actively present, influencing the situation or object it modifies. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lurking underneath" functions as a prepositional phrase, primarily used to imply a hidden or underlying presence, often with negative connotations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "hidden beneath" or "beneath the surface" exist, "lurking underneath" carries a unique sense of unease and anticipation. Therefore, use it carefully to suggest a concealed or potentially problematic element. Overusing it in literal contexts should be avoided to maintain its impact. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate a wide usage, reinforcing its validity and versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath the surface

Highlights the contrast between the visible exterior and the concealed reality.

hidden beneath

Focuses on the concealment aspect, implying something is actively covered.

lying beneath

Emphasizes a static position underneath, often suggesting a lack of activity.

concealed below

Stresses the act of hiding and the lower position.

underlying presence

Shifts the focus to the existence of something fundamental yet not immediately apparent.

veiled by

Implies a deliberate attempt to obscure something.

masked by

Similar to 'veiled by' but suggests a more deceptive covering.

present but unseen

Directly states the hidden nature of something.

covertly present

Highlights the secretive and subtle nature of the presence.

unseen element

Emphasizes that an aspect or facet cannot be seen.

FAQs

How can I use "lurking underneath" in a sentence?

The phrase "lurking underneath" is typically used to describe something that is hidden or not immediately apparent but is present and often carries a sense of potential negativity or threat. For example, "Tensions were "lurking underneath" the surface of the negotiation."

What are some alternatives to "lurking underneath"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "hidden beneath", "beneath the surface", or "underlying presence".

Is it correct to say "lurking under" instead of "lurking underneath"?

While "lurking under" might be grammatically acceptable, "lurking underneath" is the more common and idiomatic expression. It emphasizes the hidden nature of what is being described.

What connotations does "lurking underneath" imply?

The phrase often suggests something is present but concealed, usually with a negative or potentially dangerous implication. It implies more than just being physically under something; it suggests a hidden influence or threat.