underlying story

USAGE SUMMARY

"underlying story" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a hidden or subtextual narrative or theme that may not be explicitly stated but can be inferred from the events or actions in a story. Example: The movie's plot may seem straightforward, but if you look closely, you can see the underlying story of loss and grief that the main character is struggling with.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"There's no underlying story lines".

The New York Times - Sports

His early success is in stark contrast to Ray's late development, and the two drivers represent an underlying story to this year's race.

The New York Times - Sports

Connections are hinted at between many of her works, though she never makes clear what the underlying story might be, preferring to leave things teasingly open.

The Guardian - Arts

So far, so good – but then the order must be served on the last people you want to know about the underlying story.

The Guardian

Faye's own underlying story – a divorce, a move back to London, the purchase of a flat, building work, conflict with nightmare neighbours downstairs – remains the core of the book, the thread on which the rest is strung.

The Guardian - Books

By the end of Amalfitano's section a reader remains, like the critics in the earlier section, in possession of a paucity of real clues as to this novel's underlying "story," but suffused with dreadful implication.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Although it has been overshadowed by sexier controversies and unusual race results, the introduction of the KERS energy-saving device is one of the biggest underlying stories of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

Grand jury secrecy means it's very hard for a reporter to get at the underlying stories — I got as far as any reporter has with Bharara, which was to get him to talk in analogies and hypotheticals.

The New Yorker

The poor word shift performance of binary dictionaries in particular gravely limits their ability to reveal underlying stories.

EPJ Data Science

It has to be noted that these additional trajectories have been derived in a purely mechanical way and do not relate to any particular scenarios there are no underlying stories behind them.

European Journal of Population

The story underlying that story, Arrillaga-Andreessen told me — the secret — was that "Netscape was based on my beloved's own inability, as a child, to access knowledge in a small town".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underlying story" to add depth to your writing by hinting at themes or narratives not explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "underlying story" when you're referring to the primary plot of a narrative. The phrase is best used to describe a subtext or a less obvious theme.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying story" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a narrative or theme that is not immediately apparent but is present beneath the surface of events, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlying story" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to a hidden or less obvious narrative. As Ludwig confirms, its purpose is to encourage a deeper understanding of a situation beyond its immediate surface. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, highlighting its role in analyzing events. When employing this phrase, ensure it truly represents a subtext or concealed theme, and remember that effective communication involves a nuanced understanding of narrative layers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden narrative

Focuses on the concealed aspect of the narrative.

subtext

Emphasizes the implied meaning beneath the surface.

implicit theme

Highlights the unstated thematic element.

latent message

Suggests a message that is present but not yet revealed.

covert plot

Indicates a secretly planned sequence of events.

secret history

Refers to a historical account that is not widely known.

unspoken truth

Emphasizes a truth that is known but not openly discussed.

deeper meaning

Highlights the more profound significance of something.

buried secret

Focuses on a secret that has been intentionally concealed.

masked agenda

Indicates a concealed plan or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "underlying story" in a sentence?

You can use "underlying story" to describe a hidden or less obvious theme within a narrative, for example: "The film's plot may seem simple, but the "underlying story" explores themes of loss and redemption."

What's a good alternative to "underlying story"?

Alternatives to "underlying story" include "hidden narrative", "subtext", or "implicit theme", each emphasizing different aspects of the hidden narrative.

What is the difference between "underlying story" and "main plot"?

The "underlying story" is a subtext or hidden theme, while the "main plot" is the primary sequence of events in a narrative. The "underlying story" adds depth and complexity.

Can "underlying story" refer to real-life situations?

Yes, "underlying story" can also describe the less obvious or hidden aspects of a real-life situation or event, revealing the deeper context or implications.