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. (The word “underrated” is currently very popular when describing performers and artists whom fans believe to be neglected by the media and audiences.)
- 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 patient went under anesthesia during the surgery. (go under + anesthesia = a temporary drug treatment that prevents a patient from feeling pain)