underlying that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental cause or principle that supports or is the basis for something mentioned previously. Example: "The research highlights several factors underlying that issue, which need to be addressed for effective solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The tensions underlying that season are explored in fascinating depth.

The Guardian - Sport

Underlying that, he says, is a commitment to the supply chain.

The Guardian - Business

But underlying that generosity, friends said, was a blunt willingness to sometimes ruffle feathers.

The New York Times

"But the message underlying that was: can you be passionate about cooking at this level?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's a bit of a buffoon but underlying that is quite a fierce intellect".

The Guardian

It represents the erosion of the 19th-century concept underlying that style.

The New York Times - Arts

Underlying that guesswork are questions about who within the military hierarchy would control the country's small arsenal of nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

An acknowledgment of class thus already implies a political methodology, one that proceeds from the antagonism underlying that binary.

The Guardian - Opinion

And economists have begun to question some of the assumptions underlying that estimate of a million new jobs.

The New York Times

Underlying that passage — indeed, the whole book — are many of the irrationalist formulas associated in the public mind with dance.

The New Yorker

But does she think that underlying that attitude is an unfamiliarity, perhaps even tantamount to disbelief, with the business of telling an African success story?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underlying that" to clearly indicate a cause, principle, or assumption that is not immediately obvious but is fundamental to understanding a situation or statement. This helps build logical connections in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "underlying that" when the relationship between the statement and the implied cause is weak or already self-evident. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying that" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the fundamental cause, reason, or basis for something previously stated or observed. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Other Related

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "underlying that" serves to introduce a fundamental cause, principle, or assumption that explains something previously mentioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When using "underlying that", ensure you're revealing a less obvious but critical factor to enhance understanding, and avoid redundancy by using it only when the connection isn't immediately apparent. By understanding the role and context of this phrase, you can effectively use "underlying that" to add depth and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath that

Focuses on the hidden or less obvious nature of the underlying cause.

at the root of that

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the cause.

the reason for that is

Directly states a cause-and-effect relationship.

the basis for that is

Highlights the foundation or justification for something.

the source of that is

Pinpoints the origin or starting point of something.

what's behind that is

Implies a hidden or less apparent motive or reason.

the foundation of that is

Stresses the fundamental nature of the supporting element.

the driving force behind that is

Emphasizes the active and influential nature of the cause.

the rationale for that is

Highlights the logical or reasoned basis for something.

the motivation for that is

Focuses on the reason or incentive behind an action or belief.

FAQs

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

Use "underlying that" to introduce a deeper reason or cause behind something already mentioned. For example, "The company's success is impressive; underlying that is a strong commitment to innovation".

What can I say instead of "underlying that"?

You can use alternatives like "beneath that", "at the root of that", or "the reason for that is" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "underlying that" if the cause is already implied?

Yes, using "underlying that" can be redundant if the connection is already clear. Use it to reveal a less obvious, more profound cause or principle, not to state the obvious.

What's the difference between "underlying that" and "because of that"?

"Underlying that" introduces a foundational cause or principle, while "because of that" simply indicates a direct cause-and-effect relationship. "Underlying that" suggests something less obvious and more fundamental.