under the desk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the desk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location or position beneath a desk, often in contexts related to hiding, storage, or placement of objects. Example: "The cat likes to hide under the desk when it hears loud noises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Under the desk, another man was prostrate.

The New Yorker

They said to get under the desk".

The New York Times

Then masturbate under the desk.

The Guardian - Books

"I play under the desk in class".

The New York Times - Magazine

Under the desk, there's a taxidermist's stuffed fox.

Independent

In Herron's book, there's no hiding under the desk.

The New York Times - Books

And a 1967 Buick Riviera dashboard under the desk.

The New York Times

Shove your slush pile under the desk too, he said.

The Guardian - Books

Next, he said, consider the space under the desk.

The New York Times

For now, it sits under the desk of the football secretary Judy Morgan.

The New York Times - Sports

She used to take her shoes off under the desk, and she would knit.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the desk" to clearly indicate a location or action occurring in the space beneath a desk.

Common error

Avoid using "under the desk" when "on the desk" or "beside the desk" would be more appropriate; ensure the preposition accurately reflects the spatial relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the desk" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating location. It specifies where something is situated in relation to a desk. Ludwig examples show its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under the desk" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes a location beneath a desk. According to Ludwig, it appears commonly in news, media, and wiki sources. Its function is primarily to indicate the position of objects or individuals, sometimes implying secrecy or concealment. While versatile, writers should ensure it accurately represents the spatial relationship intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath the desk

Uses a synonym for "under", maintaining the same prepositional relationship.

below the desk

Another synonym for "under", slightly more formal.

in the space beneath the desk

Similar to "beneath the desk" but emphasizes the spatial aspect.

underneath the workstation

Replaces desk with workstation, which is more formal.

at the foot of the desk

Emphasizes the position at the base of the desk.

at the underside of the desk

Specifies the lower surface of the desk.

in the area under the desk

More descriptive and less concise.

in the recess under the desk

Highlights a recessed area below the desk.

concealed by the desk

Focuses on the act of being hidden or covered by the desk.

in the shadow of the desk

Describes a location indirectly, implying darkness.

FAQs

How is "under the desk" commonly used in a sentence?

It is often used to describe hiding, storing items, or activities occurring in the space below a desk. For example, "The student was playing games "under the desk" during class."

What's the difference between "under the desk" and "below the desk"?

While both phrases are similar, "below the desk" may imply a greater distance or a more formal context than "under the desk".

What can I say instead of "under the desk"?

You can use alternatives like "beneath the desk" or "at the foot of the desk" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "underneath the desk"?

Yes, "underneath the desk" is grammatically correct and functions similarly to "under the desk", although it might be considered slightly less common.