underlying

USAGE SUMMARY

"underlying" is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is the basis or cause of something else, but which is not apparent or easily perceived. For example, "The underlying reason for his poor performance was his lack of confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is also about making Britain's underlying economic model fairer so, for example, there are a series of measures aimed at taming runaway corporate pay, including forcing firms to offer their staff a seat on the remuneration committee.

The Guardian

Overall, the underlying feeling coming out of Australia's farewell match is that the performance was disjointed and the Socceroos gave the ball away too cheaply and too frequently.

The Guardian - Sport

But underlying it, I think, is the Kidderminster effect".

The Guardian

Both in the US and in Britain the idea of defensible space was very popular because it provided a simple solution: rather than engaging with complex social relations as the underlying causes of crime, SBD promoted the idea that environmental design was the biggest influence on behaviour.

The Guardian

Throughout the remainder of the memo, citations, sentences and even whole paragraphs have been stripped out, in some cases to protect genuine sources and methods but in others to obscure the precedents underlying the government's legal arguments.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is true that bonuses like these are offered to female students who are willing to work as 'promo girls', but these perks that often involve underlying dangers.

The Guardian

Individuals who suffer from underlying depressive and sleep problems also deal less well with stressful work environments that may cause them to develop alcohol use problems.

The Guardian - Money

In 2004, the International Court of Justice, in its Israel wall advisory opinion of 2004, confirmed that territory can be "occupied" even if there is an underlying dispute about sovereign ownership of that territory.

The Guardian - Opinion

The implicit homophobia underlying these messages sends an alarming signal to any astute observer that homosexuality is simply not normal and homosexuals do not have any place with children.

The Guardian

I think their sharp, herbaceous piquancy is a bit of a distraction here; I'd prefer to keep the underlying flavours simple.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I have had blood tests, but these did not identify any underlying cause.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underlying", ensure you clarify what is being 'underlain'. For example, instead of just saying "the underlying issue", specify "the underlying issue of the economic crisis".

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "underlying", which means foundational or implicit, with "underlining", which means to draw a line under something or to emphasize something. These words have very different meanings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "underlying" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating that the modified noun is a foundational, fundamental, or causal element. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where "underlying" precedes nouns like 'cause', 'issue', and 'factor'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "underlying" serves to highlight foundational, fundamental, or causal elements that may not be immediately apparent. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical function is primarily to modify nouns, and its communicative purpose is to direct attention towards deeper, more significant aspects of a subject. The word maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for a wide range of formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and commonly used in written English. Common usage involves clarifying what is being 'underlain' and avoiding confusion with "underlining".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental

Replaces "underlying" with a direct synonym emphasizing the basic or essential nature of something.

basic

Similar to "fundamental", but may imply a simpler or more easily understood foundation.

foundational

Highlights the role of something as a base upon which other things are built.

implicit

Focuses on the implied or suggested nature of something that is not directly expressed.

root cause

More specifically targets the origin or reason behind a problem or situation.

inherent

Emphasizes that something is naturally or intrinsically part of something else.

primary

Highlights the main or most important aspect of something.

bedrock

Suggests a solid, unshakeable foundation or principle.

latent

Refers to something that exists but is not yet developed or manifest.

concealed

Implies that something is hidden or not easily visible, but present nonetheless.

FAQs

How can I use "underlying" in a sentence?

The word "underlying" can be used to describe something that forms the basis or foundation of something else. For example, "The "underlying cause" of the problem was a lack of communication".

What are some synonyms for "underlying"?

Synonyms for "underlying" include "fundamental", "basic", "foundational", and "implicit". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "underlying" to describe a feeling?

Yes, "underlying" can be used to describe a feeling or emotion that is not openly expressed or easily perceived. For instance, "There was an "underlying tension" in the room".

What's the difference between "underlying" and "overlying"?

"Underlying" refers to something that is beneath or the basis of something else, while "overlying" refers to something that is on top of or covering something else. They are antonyms.