underlying workings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying workings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fundamental processes or mechanisms that are not immediately visible but influence how something operates. Example: "To fully understand the software, one must explore its underlying workings and how they affect performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Underlying workings Underlying 4 seam was virgin.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

A fourth event occurred the following year in the adjacent panel tailgate in the absence of underlying workings.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Second, European rules focus primarily on controlling debt and deficits, rather than on the underlying workings of the economy.

The Economist

Other critics focus instead on digging beneath the pretty visuals and engaging stories to reveal the underlying workings of the game.

The Guardian

Professional investors see the underlying workings of upwards of 250 startups a quarter.

TechCrunch

Such as, for example, the concerns raised last month about the underlying workings of Facebook's Trending Topics section.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The current chapter provides a basic overview of the principles underlying the workings of DREADDs and reviews recent advances that have contributed to the DREADD toolbox.

Molecular-Genetic and Statistical Techniques for Behavioral and Neural Research

Once she moved to the United States in the 1970s, her first passion eventually found its main object in the active research of the basic mechanisms underlying the workings of our nervous system and human behavior.

Columbia University

Leonardo, the visionary anatomist, strived consistently not merely to imitate nature by depicting body structures, but to perceive through analysis and simulations the intimate physiologic processes; i.e., the biomechanics underlying the workings of all bodily organs and components, even the mysterious beating heart.

International Journal of Cardiology

Yet, due to our growing but still incomplete knowledge of the mechanisms underlying their workings, our success in identifying strategies that modulate microglial function in vivo has been limited.

Acta Neuropathologica

The NSA has been publicly quiet, but could still potentially play a significant role in these debates — for example, an NSA employee is co-chair of a key cryptography working group at the Internet Engineering Taskforce, the organization which sets many of the basic standards that underlie the workings of the Internet.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex systems, use "underlying workings" to introduce explanations of the fundamental, often unseen, mechanisms at play.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on observable outcomes without exploring the "underlying workings" that drive those results. A comprehensive analysis requires understanding both aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying workings" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to describe the fundamental processes or mechanisms that are not immediately visible but influence how something operates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underlying workings" effectively describes the often-hidden mechanisms that drive processes or systems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, finding use in diverse contexts, especially in science, news, and business. While alternatives like "fundamental mechanisms" or "core processes" exist, "underlying workings" provides a specific nuance that emphasizes the foundational and less visible nature of these processes. Remember to use this phrase when you need to direct attention to the often-unseen drivers behind observed phenomena.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental mechanisms

Focuses more directly on the mechanisms that are foundational.

basic principles

Emphasizes the foundational rules or doctrines.

core processes

Highlights the essential processes at the center of an operation.

hidden mechanisms

Stresses that the mechanisms are not immediately obvious.

internal operations

Indicates activities occurring within a system or organization.

inner mechanisms

Similar to hidden mechanisms, but with a slightly different nuance.

root causes

Focuses on the reasons or origins behind certain effects or phenomena.

driving forces

Highlights the elements that propel or motivate a system.

invisible dynamics

Emphasizes the dynamic aspects that are not readily apparent.

latent processes

Implies that the processes are present but not actively visible.

FAQs

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

You can use "underlying workings" to describe the fundamental processes or mechanisms that are not immediately visible but influence how something operates. For example: "To fully understand the software, one must explore its "underlying workings" and how they affect performance."

What are some alternatives to "underlying workings"?

Alternatives include "fundamental mechanisms", "core processes", or "basic principles", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "underlying workings" in formal writing?

Yes, "underlying workings" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing technical or complex subjects. Its usage is found in academic and news media sources.

What's the difference between "underlying workings" and "surface appearances"?

"Underlying workings" refers to the hidden mechanisms that cause something to happen, while "surface appearances" are the visible or obvious aspects. Understanding both is crucial for a complete analysis.