under
The word “under” can be used as a preposition or as an adverb. It’s also commonly used as a prefix.
- There’s a pencil under the chair. (preposition)
- That business looks like it’s going under. (adverb)
- Priya will undergo surgery this afternoon. (prefix: under + go)
She’s under an umbrella.
a. Use "under" as a preposition.
The sentences below are examples of prepositional phrases: under + noun.
- Boats, cars, trains, and people can travel under a bridge.
- Many different types of animals live under the water.
- There are all kind of bugs and insects living under the soil.
- You need a lot of protection if you spend your days working under the sun.
- You can stand under an umbrella or a shelter of some kind.
- It’s easier to read under a light. Put that under the light.
- I’m wearing a t-shirt under my shirt.
a. Use "under" as a preposition.
- Water flows under a bridge.
- This little kitten is sleeping under a blanket.
b. Use "under" for supervision.
To be under a person is to be supervised or managed by someone else. In this case, “under” is an adverb or a preposition.
- Under the supervision of a doctor, patients are prescribed medicine and monitored for changes in their health. (In this sentence, “under” begins a prepositional phrase.)
- Maria is under the care of a general practitioner.
- Who do you work under? (This sentence uses “under” as an adverb.)
- How many people do you work under?
- Charles works under three different supervisors.
- A vice-president is under a president.
- A cook works under a manager at a restaurant.
- The company is under new management.
b. Use "under" for supervision.
- He works under the head cook.
- He doesn’t work under anyone. He’s his own boss.
c. Use "under" as a prefix
The prefix “under” is found in many different kinds of words. It often means “less than,” but not always.
- The man is undergoing an operation. (undergo = to happen to)
- Sylvia is underperforming at work. (underperform = do less than is required)
- The construction of a bridge is a huge undertaking. (undertaking = a commitment to do something)
- Don’t eat meat that is undercooked. (undercook = cook for a time that is less than necessary.)
- It’s important to underscore the reason why this is happening. (underscore = point out; emphasize)
- This group is so underrated. More people should be listening to their music.
- You underline a word to emphasize it or draw attention to it.
- Maria doesn’t feel comfortable going underwater.
- A subway train travels underground.
c. Use "under" as a prefix.
- The Earth is undergoing a radical transformation due to climate change.
- Subway cars travel underground.
d. other ways to use "under"
Sometimes “under”mean “less.” It can also be used as an adverb for verbs like “going.”
- The business is going under. (It’s going out of business.)
- Our company is going to go under if we don’t figure out how to manage our expenses.
- The items on this clearance rack sell for $20 and under. (under = less)
- Children twelve and under were not permitted to attend the event.
- In the United States, adults who are 20 years old and under are not permitted to buy alcohol.
d. other ways to use "under
- The Earth is undergoing a radical transformation due to climate change.
- Subway cars travel underground.