under what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under what" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking a question about a specific topic or situation. For example: "Under what conditions did the company agree to the new contract?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And under what terms?

The New York Times

But under what name?

The Economist

Can under what circumstances?

The New York Times

If so, under what conditions?

The New York Times

Under what conditions?

Princeton University

And under what restrictions?

The New York Times

But under what conditions?

The Washington Post

Under what circumstances?" "It doesn't matter".

The New Yorker

Under what circumstances are they carried out?

The New York Times

If so, under what circumstances?

Columbia University

Under what conditions are they effective?

Educational Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required for your writing. While "under what" is generally acceptable, "in what circumstances" might be more appropriate in some formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "under what" when a simpler question with "why" or "how" would suffice. "Under what" is best when you need to specifically understand the conditions or terms, not just the reason or method.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under what" functions primarily as an interrogative prepositional phrase. It introduces questions that seek to understand the conditions, circumstances, or terms that govern a situation or event. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

33%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under what" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to inquire about conditions, circumstances, or terms. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, its register ranges from neutral to formal. When using "under what", clarity and precision are key to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "in what circumstances" and "on what terms" can provide similar meaning with subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in what circumstances

Emphasizes the specific conditions surrounding an event or situation.

under which circumstances

A more formal way of asking about the conditions.

on what terms

Focuses on the specific agreements or conditions that apply.

subject to what conditions

Highlights the dependence of an event or action on certain prerequisites.

based on what criteria

Shifts the focus to the standards or principles used for evaluation or decision-making.

by what means

Inquires about the method or process used to achieve something.

given what conditions

Explores the scenario considering a set of circumstances are already in place.

according to what guidelines

Draws attention to the rules or recommendations being followed.

pursuant to what

Focuses on the legal or formal basis for an action or decision.

depending on what

Highlights the contingency of an outcome based on specific variables.

FAQs

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

Use "under what" to inquire about the conditions or circumstances that permit or cause something to occur. For example, "Under what circumstances would a company file for bankruptcy?"

What are some alternatives to using "under what"?

You can use alternatives like "in what circumstances", "on what terms", or "subject to what conditions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "under what conditions" or "in what circumstances"?

While both are generally formal, "in what circumstances" may be perceived as slightly more formal and polished compared to "under what conditions".

When should I use "under what" instead of simply asking "why"?

Use "under what" when you need to know the specific conditions that enable or require something, rather than just the general reason. For instance, ask "Under what conditions is the treaty valid?" instead of a more general "Why is the treaty valid?"