underlying structures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying structures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fundamental or foundational elements that support or influence a system, concept, or phenomenon. Example: "In order to understand the complexities of the economy, we must analyze the underlying structures that govern market behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And through this fiction, you can learn the underlying structures and come to understand them much more easily.

The Guardian

And today, the underlying structures of violence and impunity are "being embraced as a culture", he said.

The Guardian

Tactics that will work in more complex games, work here: the underlying structures and demands are the same.

The Guardian - Tech

He sees the money as a palliative that, while at times helpful in easing poverty symptoms, leaves underlying structures unchanged.

The New York Times

But underlying structures and more long-term shifts do not seem to attract the author's interest in the same way.

The Guardian - Books

This landscape is based on complex underlying structures that form intricate patterns on England's geologic map.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both speaking and writing depend upon the underlying structures of language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both are old traditions with underlying structures that chefs and diners understand.

The New York Times - Food

Pharyngitis, inflammatory illness of the mucous membranes and underlying structures of the throat (pharynx).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This mock canonisation hints at the underlying structures that make Major Barbara so much more than a fusty Edwardian play of ideas.

The Guardian - Books

Across the centuries, the mad Christian impulse to convert Jews has erected not only pillars of anti-Semitism but also underlying structures of biological racism, white supremacy, and Western contempt for, among others, Arabs and Muslims.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underlying structures" when you want to emphasize the foundational or unseen elements that support a system or idea. It works well in analytical and explanatory writing.

Common error

Avoid using "underlying structures" when simpler terms like "basis" or "foundation" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying structures" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the fundamental components or frameworks that support a system, concept, or phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. The examples showcase how it clarifies complex relationships or foundational elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "underlying structures" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the fundamental components supporting a system or concept. According to Ludwig AI, its use is correct and widespread. It's most common in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When writing, remember to use this phrase to highlight foundational elements, but avoid overuse in simple contexts where simpler terms would suffice. Consider alternatives like "fundamental frameworks" or "core components" to vary your language. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for analytical and explanatory writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental frameworks

Focuses on the basic organizational systems rather than just the components.

core components

Emphasizes the essential parts that constitute the whole.

basic foundations

Highlights the rudimentary principles upon which something is built.

root mechanisms

Shifts the focus to the causal processes at the base of a system.

underlying principles

Highlights the guiding rules or concepts instead of the physical structures.

hidden architecture

Suggests a concealed design or arrangement that supports a system.

latent infrastructure

Implies a less visible supporting system.

deep-seated elements

Focuses on elements that are deeply embedded and influential.

primary constituents

Highlights the main parts that make up a system.

structural underpinnings

Emphasizes the support provided by the structural elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "underlying structures" to describe the fundamental framework or system that supports something. For example, "The researcher aimed to identify the "underlying structures" of the social network".

What's a simpler way to say "underlying structures"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "basic foundations", "core components", or "fundamental frameworks" as alternatives to "underlying structures".

Are "underlying structures" always visible?

No, "underlying structures" often refer to elements that are not immediately apparent or are hidden beneath the surface. They are the foundational components that support what is visible.

In what fields is the term "underlying structures" commonly used?

The term "underlying structures" is frequently used in fields such as science, technology, sociology, and linguistics to describe the fundamental systems or principles that govern a particular phenomenon.