under the sink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the sink" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a location beneath a sink, often in the context of storage or plumbing issues. Example: "I found the cleaning supplies stored under the sink in the kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Under the sink?

The New Yorker

It's under the sink. in the bathroom.

The New Yorker

Every day I checked under the sink.

The New Yorker

The door of the cabinet under the sink hung open.

The New Yorker

It lived under the sink, unloved, undesigned, plastic or worse.

The New York Times

I ran downstairs and placed the cans under the sink.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The childproof lock on the under-the-sink cabinet.

Huffington Post

In most homes, the under-the-sink cabinet doesn't get much respect.

Huffington Post

Each under-the-sink system will specialize in certain contaminants.

WikiHow

Most under-the-sink filters are easily maintained.

WikiHow

Install an under-the-sink carbon filter to remove chlorine.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the contents of a cabinet, use "under the sink" to clearly indicate the storage space's location.

Common error

Avoid using "under the sink" when you mean "on the sink" or "around the sink". Be precise about the location you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the sink" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating location. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a common and correct usage. For example, "I found the cleaning supplies stored under the sink in the kitchen."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

15%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Independent

6%

TechCrunch

3%

The New York Times

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under the sink" is a prepositional phrase used to denote a location, typically in kitchens or bathrooms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly employed. It serves primarily to specify where something is situated. The phrase appears frequently in news articles, how-to guides, and general writing, with a neutral register. Alternative phrases like "beneath the sink" or "below the sink" offer similar meanings. To ensure clarity, avoid using "under the sink" when describing items on or around the sink. Overall, "under the sink" is a reliable and straightforward way to describe the space beneath a sink.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath the sink

Replaces "under" with its direct synonym "beneath", maintaining the exact meaning.

below the sink

Substitutes "under" with "below", indicating a similar spatial relationship.

in the under-sink area

Rephrases to denote the general space located under the sink.

in the sink's cabinet

Specifies the location more explicitly as within the cabinet under the sink.

within the under-sink compartment

Uses 'compartment' instead of referring to an open space, suggesting something more structured.

inside the sink base

Uses "base" instead of "sink", focusing on the structural support beneath the sink.

in the cabinet beneath the basin

Replaces "sink" with "basin" and "under" with "beneath", offering a formal variation.

at the bottom of the sink unit

More descriptive, indicating the lowest part of the sink structure.

in the plumbing area under the sink

Highlights the presence of plumbing and specifies that region.

at the underside of the sink

Focuses on the exposed underside of the sink itself, rather than the space below it.

FAQs

How can I use "under the sink" in a sentence?

You can use "under the sink" to describe a location where items are stored, like "I keep the cleaning supplies "under the sink"".

What's a good alternative to "under the sink"?

Alternatives include "beneath the sink" or "below the sink". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "under the sink"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "under the sink" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a location.

What types of things are commonly found "under the sink"?

Common items include cleaning supplies, trash cans, and plumbing components. The specific items vary depending on the household.