underlying strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying strength" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental or hidden quality that provides support or resilience in a situation or context. Example: "Despite the challenges faced by the company, its underlying strength in innovation and adaptability has allowed it to thrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But volume remained light, leaving market analysts unconvinced of the rally's underlying strength.

The New York Times

The economy has shown signs of underlying strength despite a surprise contraction in the fourth quarter.

The New York Times

Paradoxically, while the rising rates depressed Wells Fargo's returns, they also reflect underlying strength in the housing market.

The New York Times

Moreover, the committee continues to see sufficient underlying strength in the broader economy to support ongoing progress toward maximum employment in a context of price stability.

The Guardian - Business

Many investors concluded that Goldman retains underlying strength, despite serious questions about whether it can be as profitable as it once was.

The New York Times

By focusing on the signs of underlying strength or weakness not simplistically linked to widely discussed fundamentals (e.g., oil price).

Forbes

"Today's market performance is a sign of underlying strength," says Alfred Goldman, chief market strategist of A.G. Edwards.

Forbes

"Therefore, the decline in the unemployment rate is not reflective of underlying strength in employment in this report".

Huffington Post

That suggests underlying strength.

The New York Times

"There's some good underlying strength," Mr. Bloch said.

The New York Times

She could sound mournful, resolute or proud, but always had an underlying strength.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing complex situations, use "underlying strength" to highlight the fundamental elements that enable stability or growth, even when surface indicators suggest otherwise. For example, "Despite the economic downturn, the company's underlying strength lies in its loyal customer base".

Common error

Avoid attributing "underlying strength" based solely on short-term gains or positive trends. "Underlying strength" refers to enduring qualities and fundamental factors, not fleeting achievements. Make sure the supposed strength is deeply rooted and sustainable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying strength" functions as a noun phrase, where 'underlying' modifies 'strength'. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a fundamental or non-obvious quality that provides support or resilience. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlying strength" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a fundamental or hidden source of power or resilience. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English, and the analysis of real-world examples reveals its common usage in news, business, and to a lesser extent, scientific contexts. When writing, focus on using the phrase to reveal these non-obvious but fundamental qualities and to not confuse it with short-term success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherent resilience

Focuses on the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, highlighting the built-in nature of the resilience rather than the power itself.

fundamental stability

Emphasizes the stable and foundational nature of the strength, implying a resistance to change or disruption.

intrinsic fortitude

Highlights the inner, unwavering courage and strength, especially in facing adversity.

basic tenacity

Stresses the persistent determination and resilience at the core, focusing on not giving up easily.

core robustness

Emphasizes the strong and healthy constitution at the center of something, suggesting resilience and durability.

deep-seated power

Highlights the profound and firmly established nature of the power, often suggesting it's not immediately visible.

latent capacity

Focuses on the potential strength that exists but is not yet fully developed or apparent.

hidden resilience

Emphasizes that the resilience is not immediately obvious but is present nonetheless.

unseen vitality

Highlights the energetic life force that isn't immediately apparent, contributing to the overall strength.

invisible backbone

Suggests a crucial, supportive structure that provides strength but isn't easily noticed.

FAQs

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

You can use "underlying strength" to describe a fundamental quality that supports something, like: "The economy's "underlying strength" is its diverse industrial base".

What's the difference between "underlying strength" and "superficial success"?

"Underlying strength" refers to enduring, foundational qualities. "Superficial success" describes short-term achievements that might not have a solid basis. For example, a company's "underlying strength" could be its innovation, while a "superficial success" might be a single viral marketing campaign.

What can I say instead of "underlying strength"?

You can use alternatives like "inherent resilience", "fundamental stability", or "intrinsic fortitude" depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to have "underlying strength"?

While generally positive, the impact of "underlying strength" depends on what it supports. An "underlying strength" in a negative situation, like a criminal organization's network, could make it more difficult to dismantle.