Under

'Under' is commonly used to express location. It functions as both a preposition and an adverb. In this lesson, we will discover all about them.

'Under' can act as both a preposition and an adverb. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.

Functions of 'Under'

'Under' as a Preposition

One of the main uses of 'under' is to function as a preposition. Below, we are going to learn about the different prepositions it can be:

Use

'Under' as a Preposition of Place

'Under' can be a preposition of place. Look below:

When we want to indicate that something is in a lower position than something else. Look:

The dog is hiding under the table.

I'm standing right under the sign, mom.

We can use 'under' to state that a particular plant is growing across a land in geography. Take a look:

The fields are under soybean.

When a particular book or a piece of writing is under a particular title or section, we can find it in that category. Look:

Arthurian Legends come under Mythology.

When we are working under someone in a company, an organization, etc. and they have a higher position than us. Look:

Our manager has a staff of twelve working under him.

Here, the sentence indicates that the manager has twelve employees.

At Yale, they studied under Dr. Mathew G. Lewis.

Here, it means that they were Dr. Lewis's students.

When something happens under a specific leadership, government, etc. it happens when that person/group is in power. Look:

Thousands of people were killed under Mussolini.

Here, it is inferred that under Mussolini's reign thousands of people were killed.

What difference would it have made if it were under a Liberalist Party?

'Under' as a Preposition of Manner

'Under' can also be a preposition of manner. Look below to understand more:

When we want to indicate that something is less than others in degree, or amount. Look:

If your IELTS band score is under 7, you will not be accepted in most universities abroad.

All shoes cost under 50$ today.

When we want to indicate that we are experiencing something, especially difficult, we use 'under'. Look:

With all the crises in the world, we are all under pressure.

Look, you're not the only one under pressure, Hannah.

When we want to signify that something is according to an agreement/law, we use 'under':

Under the terms of agreement, we will not turn a blind eye to any negligence.

Under the divine law, we will burn all these evil witches to the ground.

Position in a Sentence

As you know, prepositions always come before nouns or noun phrases, We can have a prepositional phrase at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of sentences. Look:

Your little car is under the bed, Laura.

Here, we have a prepositional phrase at the end of the sentence.

Alfredo sauce is under the title of Delicious & Tasty Sauces in this cooking book.

Just under the table, I can see a black cat staring furiously at me.

Here, we have a prepositional phrase in the beginning of the sentence.

Warning!

Please note that whenever we have a prepositional phrase at the beginning of the sentence, we must put a comma after it. Also when e have a prepositional phrase in the middle, we must have two commas both before and after it. Look:

Just under the table, there is a book.

Here, we have a prepositional phrase at the beginning of the sentence.

There, under the frame, is a cockroach on the wall.

'Under' as an Adverb

Another use of 'under' is to function as an adverb. Below, we are going to learn all about it:

Use

'Under' as an Adverb of Place

When we want to indicate that something/someone is in a lower position, we use 'under' as an adverb of place:

Every time I swim, I really enjoy going under.

A : So, how can I give you the keys?

B : Just slide them under and I'll take 'em.

Position in a Sentence

Since 'under' is an adverb here, it mainly comes after verbs or other adverbs to modify them. Look:

I'm going under and there's nobody to save me.

A : Do you have an umbrella?

B : Yes, get under.

Under vs. Underneath

Both of these words are used when we want to state that something is below the surface of something/someone else. However, 'underneath' is used when we want to emphasize that something is covered, hidden, etc. Look at the following examples:

My papers were underneath Tom's belly.

Here, it means that the cat was lying on the papers.

The guitar is under the bed honey.

Idioms with 'Under'

We have several idioms with 'under' in English. Let us learn all about them below:

Under attack, consideration, etc: This one is used to show when people are in danger or that a decision must be thought about. Look:

The whole village is under attack.

Your proposal is under consideration madam.

Under anesthetic, sedation, etc: when someone is treated in a specific way, we use 'under'. Look:

Sarah's sister has been kept under sedation for several days now.

No one can have an operation without being under an anesthetic.

Be under the impression, belief, etc: When we believe in something or are influenced by something/someone, often in a wrong way, we use this one. Look:

Wasn't your father under the impression of Dracula for a long time?

Pardon me sir, but I firmly insist that you are under the belief that we are your enemies.

Be under orders: When someone is ordered to do something, we use this expression. Take a look:

I'm all under your orders ma'am.

He repels women in public but is under a woman's orders stealthily.

Go under: We can use this one to state that something/someone is sinking and also when we are overwhelmed and fail to do something. Look:

Evanescence has a deeply painful song called 'I'm going under'.

The ship is going under and I can see people falling into the ocean.

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