underlying structure

USAGE SUMMARY

"underlying structure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about the basic or essential framework of something, typically one that is not obvious. For example: "The underlying structure of the story is the struggle between good and evil."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Literally, he said, the "underlying structure of personality" was changing.

The New Yorker

Its bright blue facade is now punctuated by holes made to investigate the underlying structure.

The New York Times

Because the underlying structure of our politics remains so deeply divided, the 2008 election may not requite their wish.

The New York Times - Magazine

Detail is sacrificed in favor of an overall impression, yet the underlying structure anchors perception to real experience.

The New York Times

Underlying structure for 30 (Huang et al. 2009: 86).

Lingua Sinica

The covering layer displays the details of the underlying structure.

Journal of Analytical Science and Technology

In other words, passive clauses look much more like their active counterparts in underlying structure.

SEP

Exploratory factor analysis was undertaken to further explore the underlying structure.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Also, the applicability of oemof models is improved by the underlying structure.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Her husband Dmitriy then sculpts the underlying structure out of tough cardboard, while she prepares the strips that will give the wig its outer texture.

Vice

CFA was conducted to confirm whether or not the underlying structure derived from EFA was supported.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex systems, use "underlying structure" to refer to the fundamental organization that might not be immediately visible. This helps clarify the essential elements that govern the system's behavior.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on surface-level details when analyzing a subject. Ensure you delve into the "underlying structure" to understand the foundational relationships and principles that truly govern its behavior or function.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying structure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Examples from Ludwig show it describing the fundamental framework of various systems, from political landscapes to artistic compositions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

29%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlying structure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the fundamental organization or framework of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread acceptance. Its usage is prevalent in science, news and media, and formal business contexts, indicating its versatility across various fields. When writing, remember to focus on the core elements that constitute the "underlying structure" and avoid getting lost in superficial details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental framework

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the structure.

basic infrastructure

Focuses on the foundational systems and facilities that support something.

core architecture

Highlights the essential design and organization of a system or entity.

essential composition

Draws attention to the indispensable elements and their arrangement.

primary organization

Underscores the main arrangement and order of elements.

inherent design

Focuses on the innate and intrinsic plan or pattern.

intrinsic arrangement

Highlights the natural and essential positioning of components.

foundational layout

Emphasizes the basic and supportive arrangement of elements.

structural basis

Focuses on the fundamental support system that something relies on.

internal constitution

Highlights the inner composition and arrangement of a thing.

FAQs

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

You can use "underlying structure" to refer to the fundamental organization or framework of something. For example, "The researchers studied the "underlying structure" of the cell to understand its function."

What is a good alternative to "underlying structure"?

Alternatives include "fundamental framework", "basic infrastructure", or "core architecture" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "underlying structure" in formal writing?

Yes, "underlying structure" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, and technical contexts where precise language is valued. Its usage is well-documented across diverse scholarly publications.

What does "underlying structure" refer to in data analysis?

In data analysis, "underlying structure" often refers to the latent relationships and patterns among variables that are not immediately obvious but can be revealed through techniques like factor analysis. Understanding this "underlying structure" helps to reduce complexity and identify key drivers.