Mastering “Under”: A Comprehensive Guide with Sentence Examples

The preposition “under” is a fundamental word in the English language, appearing in a vast array of contexts. Understanding its diverse uses is crucial for both native speakers and English language learners aiming for fluency and accuracy.

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the preposition “under,” covering its various meanings, structural applications, and common usage scenarios. From describing physical positions to indicating abstract conditions, “under” plays a significant role in conveying precise and nuanced information.

This guide is designed for anyone looking to enhance their understanding and application of this versatile preposition.

Whether you’re a student, a writer, or simply someone who wants to improve their English skills, this article will equip you with the knowledge and practice necessary to confidently and correctly use “under” in your everyday communication. We’ll delve into specific examples, explore common mistakes, and provide practical exercises to solidify your understanding.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid grasp of the nuances of “under” and be able to use it effectively in your writing and speech.

Table of Contents

• Definition of “Under”
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of “Under” Usage
  • Physical Position
  • Control and Authority
  • Condition or Circumstance
  • Process or Development
  • Less Than
  • Concealment and Secrecy
• Examples of “Under” in Sentences
  • Physical Position Examples
  • Control and Authority Examples
  • Condition and Circumstance Examples
  • Process and Development Examples
  • Less Than Examples
  • Concealment and Secrecy Examples
• Usage Rules for “Under”
• Common Mistakes with “Under”
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of “Under”

The preposition “under” primarily indicates a position that is below something else. However, its usage extends far beyond simple spatial relationships.

It can also denote a state of being controlled, influenced, or subjected to certain conditions. “Under” can express concepts of authority, obligation, and concealment, making it a versatile and essential component of the English language.

Classification: “Under” is classified as a preposition. Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. This relationship can be spatial, temporal, or logical.

Function: The primary function of “under” is to connect a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition) to another element in the sentence, thereby indicating the relationship between them. This relationship can be physical (e.g., the book is under the table), abstract (e.g., under pressure), or conditional (e.g., under certain circumstances).

Contexts: “Under” is used in a wide variety of contexts, including:

• Describing physical location (under the bridge)
• Indicating control or authority (under the supervision of)
• Expressing a condition or state (under investigation)
• Referring to a process or development (under construction)
• Signifying “less than” (under 18 years old)
• Suggesting concealment or secrecy (under the radar)

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure involving “under” is simple: Under + Noun/Pronoun (Object of the Preposition). This prepositional phrase then modifies another element in the sentence, providing additional information about it. The prepositional phrase acts as an adjective or an adverb, depending on the context.

For example, in the sentence “The cat is sleeping under the bed,” “under the bed” is a prepositional phrase where “under” is the preposition and “the bed” is the object of the preposition. The entire phrase acts as an adverb, modifying the verb “is sleeping” by telling us where the cat is sleeping.

Here are some structural patterns:

• Noun + Verb + Under + Noun: The car is parked under the tree.
• Verb + Under + Noun: They lived under a dictatorship.
• Adjective + Under + Noun: The project is under budget.
• Under + Noun + Verb + Noun: Under the circumstances, we agreed to the terms.

The preposition “under” can also be part of more complex prepositional phrases, such as “underneath,” “underneath the,” “underneath a,” which are variations of “under” emphasizing the position below.

Types and Categories of “Under” Usage

The preposition “under” has multiple meanings and uses. Understanding these different categories can help you use “under” more accurately and effectively.

Physical Position

This is the most literal and common use of “under.” It indicates that something is located directly below something else. This can refer to physical objects, places, or even abstract concepts visualized in a spatial context.

Control and Authority

“Under” can indicate that someone or something is being controlled, governed, or influenced by a person, organization, or system. This usage conveys a sense of hierarchy or dependence.

Condition or Circumstance

This use of “under” specifies the circumstances, conditions, or state in which something is happening or existing. It often implies a temporary or specific situation.

Process or Development

“Under” can describe something that is in the process of being created, developed, or changed. It suggests that the thing is not yet complete or finalized.

Less Than

When used with numbers or quantities, “under” means “less than” or “below.” This is commonly used to set limits or restrictions.

Concealment and Secrecy

“Under” can imply that something is hidden, secret, or not openly acknowledged. This usage often involves actions or information that are intentionally kept out of sight or awareness.

Examples of “Under” in Sentences

To further clarify the various uses of “under,” here are detailed examples categorized by the types discussed above. These examples will illustrate how “under” functions in different contexts and how it contributes to the meaning of the sentence.

Physical Position Examples

The following table illustrates the use of “under” to describe physical positions. Notice how “under” specifies the location of one object relative to another.

Sentence	Explanation
The cat is sleeping under the table.	The cat’s location is below the table.
We sought shelter under a large oak tree during the thunderstorm.	The shelter was found in the space beneath the oak tree.
The treasure was buried under the old pirate’s map.	The treasure’s location was beneath the map.
The children played under the sprinkler on a hot summer day.	The children were positioned below the water spray.
The dog hid under the bed when he heard the fireworks.	The dog sought refuge in the space beneath the bed.
The roots of the tree extend far under the ground.	The root’s location is beneath the surface of the ground.
The submarine traveled under the water.	The submarine’s location was below the water’s surface.
She found her keys under a pile of clothes.	The keys were located beneath the clothes.
The tunnel runs under the river.	The tunnel is situated below the river.
The ants built their colony under a large rock.	The ant colony was constructed beneath the rock.
I placed the cooling pad under my laptop to prevent overheating.	The cooling pad is positioned below the laptop.
The lost city is said to be buried under layers of sediment.	The city’s location is believed to be beneath the sediment.
The electrician had to work under the house to fix the wiring.	The electrician worked in the space beneath the house.
The stray kitten nestled under the porch for warmth.	The kitten found warmth in the space beneath the porch.
The archaeologists discovered ancient artifacts under the ruins.	The artifacts were located beneath the ruins.
The plumber crawled under the sink to repair the leak.	The plumber worked in the space beneath the sink.
The secret passage was hidden under a loose floorboard.	The passage was concealed beneath the floorboard.
The hiker rested under the shade of a towering mountain.	The hiker found rest in the shade beneath the mountain.
The foundation of the building extends deep under the earth.	The foundation’s location is beneath the earth’s surface.
The children built a fort under a blanket draped over chairs.	The fort was constructed beneath the blanket.
The plumber had to go under the crawl space to fix the pipes.	The plumber worked in the space beneath the crawl space.
The old well was hidden under a thick layer of ivy.	The well was concealed beneath the ivy.
The mechanic inspected the car under the chassis.	The mechanic inspected the car in the space beneath the chassis.

Control and Authority Examples

This table demonstrates how “under” is used to indicate control, authority, or governance. The subject is being managed or influenced by another entity.

Sentence	Explanation
The company is under new management.	The company is now being managed by a different group.
The city was under siege for several weeks.	The city was controlled and attacked by an enemy force.
The project is under the supervision of the lead engineer.	The project is being overseen and directed by the lead engineer.
The country was under a dictatorship for many years.	The country was ruled by a dictator.
The soldiers are under strict orders.	The soldiers must obey the orders given to them.
The suspect is under investigation for fraud.	The suspect is being investigated by authorities.
The contract is under review by the legal department.	The legal department is examining the contract.
The student is under pressure to perform well in exams.	The student is experiencing pressure to achieve good results.
The business is operating under a different name.	The business is using a new name.
The organization is under scrutiny from the media.	The organization is being closely examined by the media.
The patient is under the care of a specialist.	The patient is being treated by a specialist.
The town was under martial law during the crisis.	The town was governed by the military during the crisis.
The employee is under probation for six months.	The employee is being monitored for performance during this time.
The data is under strict security protocols.	The data is being protected by strict security measures.
The shipment is under customs inspection.	The shipment is being inspected by customs officials.
The program operates under specific guidelines.	The program is run according to specific rules.
The treaty is under negotiation between the two countries.	The treaty is being discussed and negotiated by the two countries.
The development is under environmental assessment.	The development is being assessed for its environmental impact.
The account is under audit by the accounting firm.	The account is being audited by the accounting firm.
The project is underfunded and needs more investment.	The project doesn’t have enough funding.
The athlete is under the guidance of a renowned coach.	The athlete is being guided by a renowned coach.
The team is under immense pressure to win the championship.	The team is experiencing significant pressure to win.
The company is under restructuring to improve efficiency.	The company is being restructured.

Condition and Circumstance Examples

This table illustrates the use of “under” to specify conditions, circumstances, or states. It often describes the situation in which something exists or occurs.

Sentence	Explanation
Under the circumstances, we had to cancel the event.	Due to the existing situation, the event was canceled.
Under the new law, smoking is prohibited in public places.	According to the new law, smoking is not allowed in public places.
Under these conditions, the experiment is likely to fail.	Given the current state, the experiment is unlikely to succeed.
Under normal circumstances, the train arrives on time.	Usually, the train is punctual.
Under no circumstances should you open that door.	You should not open that door at any time.
Under the influence of alcohol, his judgment was impaired.	His judgment was affected by the alcohol.
Under warranty, the product can be repaired for free.	The product is covered by a warranty that allows free repairs.
Under oath, the witness swore to tell the truth.	The witness promised to be truthful after taking an oath.
Under duress, he signed the confession.	He signed the confession because he was forced to.
Under pressure from investors, the CEO resigned.	The CEO resigned because of pressure from investors.
Under the agreement, both parties must comply with the terms.	According to the agreement, both parties must follow the rules.
Under review, the policy is being evaluated for effectiveness.	The policy is currently being examined.
Under scrutiny, the company’s finances were found to be irregular.	Upon close examination, the company’s finances were found to be problematic.
Under threat of rain, we decided to move the picnic indoors.	Because it might rain, we moved the picnic inside.
Under strict confidentiality, the information was shared.	The information was shared with the understanding that it would be kept secret.
Under the impression that he was invited, he attended the party.	He thought he was invited and went to the party.
Under advisement, the judge is considering the arguments.	The judge is taking the arguments into consideration.
Under investigation, the company’s practices were deemed unethical.	The company’s practices were investigated and found to be unethical.
Under protest, the employees accepted the new regulations.	The employees accepted the new regulations, but they expressed their opposition.
Under sedation, the patient underwent the procedure.	The patient was sedated during the procedure.
Under anonymity, the survey participants provided honest feedback.	The participants gave honest feedback while remaining anonymous.
Under the influence of the full moon, strange things seemed to happen.	During the full moon, strange things seemed to happen.
Under strict supervision, the children played in the backyard.	The children played in the backyard while being closely watched.

Process and Development Examples

This table shows how “under” is used to describe things that are in the process of being developed, built, or changed.

Sentence	Explanation
The bridge is under construction and will be completed next year.	The bridge is being built and will be finished next year.
The new software is under development.	The software is being created.
The city is under renovation to improve its infrastructure.	The city is being renovated.
The house is under renovation.	The house is being renovated.
The road is under repair due to the recent storm.	The road is being fixed because of the storm.
The proposal is under consideration by the committee.	The committee is considering the proposal.
The project is under review.	The project is being reviewed.
The new policy is under discussion.	The new policy is being discussed.
The law is under debate in parliament.	The law is being debated in parliament.
The matter is under investigation.	The matter is being investigated.
The building is under demolition to make way for a new one.	The building is being destroyed.
The system is under maintenance.	The system is being maintained.
The theory is under scrutiny by scientists.	The theory is being examined by scientists.
The artwork is under restoration.	The artwork is being restored.
The manuscript is under revision.	The manuscript is being revised.
The program is under evaluation.	The program is being evaluated.
The technology is under testing.	The technology is being tested.
The curriculum is under development to meet new standards.	The curriculum is being developed.
The company is under transformation to adapt to market changes.	The company is being transformed.
The data is under analysis.	The data is being analyzed.
The strategy is under formulation.	The strategy is being formulated.
The agreement is under negotiation.	The agreement is being negotiated.
The exhibition is under preparation.	The exhibition is being prepared.

Less Than Examples

This table illustrates the use of “under” to mean “less than” or “below” a certain quantity or limit.

Sentence	Explanation
Children under 12 years old get a discount.	Children younger than 12 receive a reduced price.
The temperature is under zero degrees Celsius.	The temperature is below zero degrees Celsius.
The project cost was under budget.	The project cost less than the allocated budget.
The speed limit is under 30 miles per hour in residential areas.	The maximum speed allowed is less than 30 mph.
The company has fewer than under 50 employees.	The company has less than 50 employees.
The stock price is trading under $10 per share.	The stock price is less than $10.
The building is under 100 feet tall.	The building is shorter than 100 feet.
The weight of the package is under 5 kilograms.	The package weighs less than 5 kilograms.
The population of the town is under 10,000 people.	The town has fewer than 10,000 residents.
The age requirement is under 35 years old.	You must be younger than 35 to qualify.
We need to keep the expenses under $500.	We need to spend less than $500.
The debt is under control.	The debt is less than the allowed limit.
The pressure is under the safety threshold.	The pressure is less than the allowed threshold.
The wait time is usually under 15 minutes.	The wait time is usually less than 15 minutes.
The radiation level is under the safe limit.	The radiation level is less than the safe limit.
The noise level is under the acceptable threshold.	The noise level is below the acceptable threshold.
The number of applicants was under expectations.	The number of applicants was less than expected.
The rainfall was under the average for this month.	The rainfall was less than the average for this month.
The voter turnout was under 50 percent.	Less than half of the eligible voters participated.
The error rate is under 1 percent.	The error rate is less than 1 percent.
The production time is under 24 hours.	The production time is less than 24 hours.
The minimum deposit is under $100.	The minimum deposit is less than $100.
The discount applies to items under $50.	The discount applies to items priced less than $50.

Concealment and Secrecy Examples

This table demonstrates how “under” is used to imply that something is hidden, secret, or not openly acknowledged.

Sentence	Explanation
The spy operated under a false identity.	The spy used a fake identity to conceal their true self.
The deal was made under the table.	The deal was done secretly and illegally.
The project was kept under wraps until the launch date.	The project was kept secret until it was released.
The information was shared under the radar.	The information was shared discreetly to avoid attention.
The money was laundered under the guise of charitable donations.	The illegal money was disguised as charitable contributions.
The operation was conducted under the cover of darkness.	The operation was performed secretly at night.
The suspect was operating under an alias.	The suspect was using a fake name.
The affair was conducted under a veil of secrecy.	The affair was kept extremely secret.
The experiment was conducted under strict confidentiality.	The experiment was kept strictly secret.
The illegal activity was hidden under layers of bureaucracy.	The illegal activity was concealed by complex administrative processes.
The rumors circulated under whispers.	The rumors circulated secretly.
The illegal goods were smuggled under the packaging of legitimate products.	The illegal goods were concealed within legitimate products.
The conspiracy was planned under the cloak of secrecy.	The conspiracy was planned secretly.
The truth was buried under layers of lies.	The truth was concealed by many lies.
The transaction was conducted under a shell corporation.	The transaction was conducted secretly through a shell corporation.
The illegal activity was disguised under the appearance of legitimacy.	The activity seemed legitimate but was actually illegal.
The suspect was working under deep cover.	The suspect was working with a highly concealed identity.
The plot was hatched under the cover of night.	The plot was planned secretly at night.
The truth was hidden under a mountain of paperwork.	The truth was concealed by a large amount of paperwork.
The activity was carried out under the table.	The activity was kept concealed and done illegally.
The scam operated under a veil of legitimacy.	The scam appeared legitimate on the surface.
The illicit funds were transferred under the guise of legitimate business transactions.	The illegal funds were disguised as business transactions.
The agreement was made under conditions of strict secrecy.	The agreement was made under conditions of strict secrecy.

Usage Rules for “Under”

While “under” is a versatile preposition, there are specific rules to follow for correct usage:

• Physical Position: Use “under” to describe something directly below something else. For example, “The keys are under the sofa.”
• Control/Authority: Use “under” to show that someone or something is being controlled. For example, “The project is under review.”
• Condition/Circumstance: Use “under” to describe a situation or condition. For example, “Under the circumstances, we had to cancel the event.”
• Process/Development: Use “under” to describe something that is in progress. For example, “The bridge is under construction.”
• Less Than: Use “under” to indicate a quantity or value that is less than a certain amount. For example, “Children under 12 get a discount.”
• Concealment/Secrecy: Use “under” to imply that something is hidden or secret. For example, “The deal was made under the table.”

Exceptions: There are some idiomatic expressions where “under” is used in a way that might not fit neatly into these categories. For example, “under the weather” means feeling unwell, and “under one’s breath” means speaking quietly.

Distinction between “Under,” “Below,” “Beneath,” and “Underneath”: These prepositions are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. “Under” is the most general term. “Below” often implies a greater distance or a vertical relationship. “Beneath” is more formal and literary than “under.” “Underneath” emphasizes the covering or concealment aspect.

Common Mistakes with “Under”

Here are some common mistakes people make when using “under,” along with corrections and explanations:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
The cat is sleep below the table.	The cat is sleeping under the table.	“Under” is the correct preposition to indicate the cat’s position.
We are working above pressure.	We are working under pressure.	“Under” is used to describe the state of being pressured.
The project is on construction.	The project is under construction.	“Under” is the correct preposition to describe something in the process of being built.
The children are elder 10.	The children are under 10.	“Under” is used to indicate that the children are younger than 10.
They did the deal on the table.	They did the deal under the table.	“Under” is used to imply that the deal was done secretly or illegally.
The dog is under the car, its broken.	The dog is under the car. It’s broken.	Ensure proper sentence structure.
Under of the weather	Under the weather	Correct idiomatic expression
She is study under professor Smith.	She is studying under Professor Smith.	Correct verb tense.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “under” with these practice exercises. Choose the correct preposition in each sentence.

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with “under.”

Question	Answer
1. The dog is hiding ______ the bed.	under
2. The city is ______ new management.	under
3. ______ the circumstances, we must proceed cautiously.	Under
4. The bridge is ______ construction.	under
5. Children ______ 10 years old get in free.	under
6. The deal was made ______ the table.	under
7. The suspect is ______ investigation.	under
8. The cat sat ______ the chair.	under
9. The project is ______ review.	under
10. ______ normal conditions, this would not have happened.	Under

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using “under.”

Question	Answer
1. The cat is located below the table.	The cat is under the table.
2. The company is governed by a new CEO.	The company is under a new CEO.
3. Given the current situation, we must act quickly.	Under the circumstances, we must act quickly.
4. The road is being repaired.	The road is under repair.
5. Those less than 18 cannot enter.	Those under 18 cannot enter.
6. The agreement was made secretly.	The agreement was made under the table