what underlies

USAGE SUMMARY

"what underlies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express an underlying reason or condition for something. For example: "What underlies this tension between the two countries is a long history of conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What underlies Bush's certainty?

The New York Times - Magazine

But what underlies those differences?

The New Yorker

It is what underlies the current government's approach to education.

The Guardian

But the riddle of what underlies handedness remains.

The New York Times - Health

This remarkable achievement invites consideration of what underlies it.

The Guardian - Books

These instruments sense the seafloor surface and what underlies it.

The New York Times

SO what underlies this powerful pull to the right?

The New York Times

"What underlies this is a larger failure of the marketplace to properly price drugs," he added.

The New York Times

Yet what underlies these fantasies and fears is a simple and unsurprising fact.

The New York Times - Arts

But if frailty is an independent disease, the researchers asked, what underlies it?

The New York Times - Health

The story of Shane Battier is a pertinent allegory for what underlies the worldwide financial crisis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what underlies", ensure the subsequent explanation provides substantial evidence or reasoning to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something precedes another, it necessarily "underlies" or causes it. Always verify causation with thorough investigation, not mere correlation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what underlies" functions as an interrogative phrase that introduces an inquiry into the fundamental causes, reasons, or principles behind a specific phenomenon or situation. This usage is supported by Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what underlies" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to investigate the fundamental reasons or causes behind a phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news media, science, and formal business settings. When writing, use "what underlies" to prompt deeper analysis and critical thinking, ensuring that you back up claims with solid evidence. Avoid the common error of assuming correlation equals causation. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively use "what underlies" to enhance the clarity and depth of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the basis of

Focuses on the fundamental reason or principle.

what's at the root of

Emphasizes the origin or starting point of an issue.

what is the cause of

Directly asks about the reason something happens.

what are the foundations of

Highlights the supporting elements or principles.

what's the reason behind

Explores the motivation or explanation for something.

what is the driving force of

Identifies the main factor that propels something forward.

what are the origins of

Looks into the initial stages or sources of something.

what is the wellspring of

Implies a source from which something originates or is sustained.

what is the secret ingredient of

Seeks to identify the essential element that makes something successful or unique.

what is the rationale for

Explores the logical basis or justification for a decision or action.

FAQs

How can I use "what underlies" in a sentence?

You can use "what underlies" to introduce the fundamental reasons, causes, or principles behind a phenomenon. For example, "What underlies the current economic crisis?"

What is a more formal alternative to "what underlies"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "what is the basis of" or "what are the foundations of".

How does "what underlies" differ from "what causes"?

"What underlies" often implies a deeper, more fundamental explanation, while "what causes" is a more direct inquiry into the immediate reason something happened. "What underlies" seeks the root, whereas "what causes" seeks the trigger.

Is "what underlies" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "what underlies" is suitable for academic writing when exploring the fundamental principles or reasons behind a research topic or phenomenon. It encourages deeper analysis and critical thinking.