under a tree

USAGE SUMMARY

"under a tree" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person or object being in the shade of a tree. For example: We decided to have our picnic lunch under a tree for some shade.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Creigh!" says a man under a tree.

The Washington Post

The man died under a tree.

The New Yorker

A few men sat under a tree.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

TO sit quietly under a tree.

The New York Times

A few women sat under a tree, their infants listless.

The Guardian

A mother abandoned her howling baby under a tree.

The New Yorker

So mother and daughters rested under a tree.

The Washington Post

Could he have ended up sitting under a tree?

The New York Times - Magazine

I'll probably sit under a tree and cry".

The New York Times

A family has gathered under a tree for shade.

The Guardian

Hiding under a tree near the 13 Vents.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, consider what specific aspect of being "under a tree" you want to emphasize, such as shade, shelter, or a connection to nature, and choose your wording accordingly.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "under a tree" in a narrative. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "beneath the tree" or "in its shade" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under a tree" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. Examples include "sitting under a tree" or "shelter under a tree".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under a tree" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate a location beneath a tree. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources and maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, consider varying your sentence structure and choosing wording that emphasizes the desired aspect, such as shade or shelter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath a tree

Replaces "under" with "beneath", offering a more formal or literary tone.

in the shade of a tree

Emphasizes the aspect of seeking shelter from the sun.

at the foot of a tree

Indicates a location directly at the base of the tree.

sheltered by a tree

Highlights the protective aspect of the tree, such as from rain or sun.

by the tree

A simpler, more general expression indicating proximity to the tree.

in the shadow of a tree

Similar to "in the shade of a tree", but can also imply a metaphorical shadow or influence.

beside a tree

Indicates a location to the side of the tree.

close to the tree

A more generic phrase indicating nearness without specifying the exact location.

near the tree

Similar to "close to the tree", indicating general proximity.

nestled under a tree

Conveys a sense of comfort and closeness to nature.

FAQs

How can I use "under a tree" in a sentence?

You can use "under a tree" to describe a location or action taking place beneath a tree, such as "We had a picnic "under a tree"" or "The dog was sleeping "under a tree"".

What are some alternatives to saying "under a tree"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "beneath a tree", "in the shade of a tree", or "at the foot of a tree" as alternatives to ""under a tree"".

Is it grammatically correct to say "under a tree"?

Yes, ""under a tree"" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase that is commonly used in English.

What is the difference between "under a tree" and "in a tree"?

"Under a tree" indicates being located on the ground beneath the tree's canopy, while "in a tree" refers to being physically within the tree's branches or structure. For instance, a bird might be "in a tree", but a person might sit ""under a tree"".