under the sun

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the sun" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to suggest that something is universal and comprehensive, as in this example: "Nothing lasts forever under the sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

THEATER UNDER THE SUN "Pirates of Penzance".

The New York Times

"Every topic under the sun".

The New York Times

There is nothing new under the sun.

The New York Times

"It's really everything under the sun.

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing new under the sun, indeed.

Independent

Is there nothing new under the sun?

The New Yorker

What's new under the sun?

Harvard University

Lice my get under the sun.

Harvard University

I've heard everything under the sun".

The Guardian - Film

Now, college kids are growing everything under the sun".

The New York Times - Sports

"All this time, and you've been suffering under the sun".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the sun", ensure the context clearly benefits from the phrase's idiomatic sense of comprehensiveness or universality; otherwise, a more direct expression may be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "under the sun" when referring to limited or specific situations; its strength lies in conveying a sense of totality or near-totality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the sun" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. Ludwig AI indicates it is often used to suggest that something is universal and comprehensive. For instance, it describes the extent or scope of something, indicating that it encompasses everything imaginable or available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

16%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under the sun" is a versatile idiom used to denote comprehensiveness or universality. It is grammatically correct and commonly found across various writing styles, although primarily used in News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to emphasize the breadth or scope of a statement, suggesting that something applies to everything imaginable. When employing "under the sun", writers should ensure that the context warrants this broad scope and that there is no risk of overgeneralization. Alternatives like "in existence" or "everywhere" can be considered depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everywhere

A single word that captures the omnipresence implied by the original phrase.

in existence

This alternative focuses on the state of being present or real, similar to one meaning of "under the sun".

in the world

This phrase indicates location or prevalence within the Earth, like the broad scope implied by "under the sun".

anywhere on earth

It specifies a location-based universality, mirroring the all-encompassing nature of "under the sun".

universally

Adverb describing something that applies to everyone or everything, mirroring the sense of completeness in the source phrase.

in all creation

This option evokes a sense of completeness and universality, similar to the broader meaning of the source phrase.

ubiquitously

Adverb indicating that something is present everywhere, which relates to the extensive distribution suggested by "under the sun".

within the realm of possibility

This alternative emphasizes the range of possibilities, mirroring one aspect of "under the sun" related to scope.

in all aspects

This phrase points to a comprehensive view, considering every angle or facet.

in the known universe

It broadens the scope to the entire known universe, emphasizing the vastness and comprehensiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "under the sun" to express that something is all-encompassing or universal, as in "There's nothing new "under the sun"" or "They offer every service "under the sun"".

What does "everything under the sun" mean?

The phrase "everything "under the sun"" means absolutely everything imaginable or available, covering all possibilities or options.

Is it okay to use "under the sun" in formal writing?

Yes, "under the sun" is acceptable in formal writing, though it's best suited for situations where you want to convey a sense of completeness or universality. However, consider whether a more direct or precise phrase might be more appropriate for your context.

What are some alternatives to the saying "there's nothing new "under the sun""?

Alternatives to "there's nothing new "under the sun"" include "history repeats itself", "what goes around comes around", or simply "it's all been done before".