underneath the surface of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underneath the surface of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is hidden or not immediately visible, often referring to deeper meanings or underlying issues. Example: "Underneath the surface of her cheerful demeanor, there was a sense of sadness that few could see."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Underneath the surface of petty actions lie complex feelings.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was underneath the surface of everything, glowing away to itself.

The Guardian

When last seen there was a shadow of antagonism underneath the surface of their complete comradeship.

The New Yorker

The truffles spring from microscopic spores distributed just underneath the surface of the sand.

The New York Times - Food

Humanity lives in the Silos, tunnels underneath the surface of the ravaged Earth.

The Guardian

NPR's Hidden Brain podcast uses science and storytelling to dig underneath the surface of human behavior.

Columbia University

"There was so much happening right underneath the surface of the language," said Ms. Davis.

The New York Times

It found water ice underneath the surface of Mars and alkaline soil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's as if we are looking underneath the surface of skin at the ghostly presence of the man within.

The Guardian

There's a lot of work that goes on underneath the surface of this tip of the iceberg called the star".

The New York Times - Arts

I felt loved and safe, unknowing of the secrets that rustled just underneath the surface of what my young eyes saw.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underneath the surface of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being concealed or implied. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "underneath the surface of" in situations where a more direct term like 'below' or 'under' would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underneath the surface of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or clauses to indicate a hidden or less obvious aspect. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "underneath the surface of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate hidden aspects, meanings, or issues. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While semantically similar alternatives exist, such as "beneath the surface of" and "below the surface of", this particular phrase is valuable for adding depth and encouraging deeper analysis. When using it, ensure the context clearly signals what is being concealed, and avoid overuse in simple contexts to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath the exterior of

This alternative emphasizes the outer layer concealing something deeper.

below the facade of

This phrase suggests a deceptive appearance that hides the true reality.

lurking beneath

This implies a hidden threat or problem.

at a subconscious level

This alternative refers to hidden psychological or emotional factors.

in the depths of

This suggests something profound and hidden within.

at the root of

This alternative emphasizes the fundamental cause or origin of something.

in the undercurrent of

This phrase evokes a subtle but powerful influence.

veiled by

This indicates something hidden or obscured by a covering.

concealed within

This suggests something deliberately hidden or kept secret.

lying hidden in

This alternative emphasizes the state of being concealed or unnoticed.

FAQs

How can I use "underneath the surface of" in a sentence?

You can use "underneath the surface of" to describe hidden aspects, emotions, or meanings. For example: "Underneath the surface of his calm demeanor, he was quite anxious."

What are some alternatives to "underneath the surface of"?

Some alternatives include "beneath the surface of", "below the surface of", or "hidden within", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "underneath the surface of" and "below the surface of"?

While both phrases are similar, "underneath the surface of" might imply a more significant level of concealment or a deeper, more complex hidden aspect than "below the surface of".

When is it appropriate to use "underneath the surface of" in writing?

Use "underneath the surface of" when you want to emphasize that something is not immediately apparent and requires deeper investigation or understanding.