A2 phrase #1,000 most common 5 min read

〜の下

The word 'under' means something is in a lower position than something else.

no shita

Explanation at your level:

Hello! 'Under' is a word that tells us where something is. It means something is low down, or below something else. Imagine a cat sleeping under the table. The cat is lower than the table. Or, think about your bed. Your toys might be under your bed. That means they are down low, below the bed. It's a very simple word to help you talk about where things are!

The word 'under' is used to describe a position that is lower than something else. For example, 'The dog is sleeping under the tree.' This means the dog is in a spot directly below the tree's branches. We also use 'under' to talk about things that are not finished or are being worked on, like 'The bridge is under construction.' This tells us people are still building it. It's a useful word for describing physical locations and ongoing situations.

'Under' is a common preposition that indicates a lower position relative to another object or point. It can be used literally, such as 'Please place the package under the chair,' or figuratively, like 'He felt under a lot of stress before the exam.' It's also frequently used in set phrases like 'under repair' (meaning something is being fixed) or 'under the age of 18' (meaning younger than 18). Understanding these common uses will help you communicate more effectively.

The preposition 'under' signifies a position below something else, often implying direct proximity or a specific relationship. Beyond its literal spatial meaning ('The keys are under the mat'), it extends to abstract contexts denoting influence, control, or condition. Consider phrases like 'The country is under new management' or 'The proposal is under consideration.' It can also indicate a quantity or limit, as in 'The project came in under budget.' Distinguishing its usage from 'below' often depends on the degree of directness and context.

'Under' serves as a versatile preposition and adverb, denoting a lower spatial relationship or a state of being subjected to something. Its applications range from the concrete ('The submarine traveled under the waves') to the abstract ('The company is under scrutiny from the regulators'). It frequently appears in collocations that signify ongoing processes ('under development', 'under negotiation') or limitations ('under 21', 'under threat'). The nuances of 'under' can also imply subordination or a lack of fulfillment, as in 'falling under a category' or 'doing something under duress'.

The multifaceted word 'under' occupies a significant position in English lexis, functioning as a preposition, adverb, and prefix with a rich semantic field. Its etymological roots in Proto-Germanic '*underaz' point to a core concept of spatial positioning that has evolved to encompass states of being, control, subordination, and deficiency. Beyond its literal meaning of physical lowness ('The roots grew deep under the soil'), it denotes subjection ('under martial law'), classification ('falls under the category of'), incomplete states ('under construction'), and even secret dealings ('paid under the table'). Mastery involves recognizing its idiomatic deployment and subtle shades of meaning in diverse registers, from legal documents to informal discourse.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Indicates a lower position than something else.
  • Used for both physical and abstract contexts.
  • Forms many common phrases and idioms.
  • Key meanings: below, less than, subject to.

Hey there, language explorer! Let's dive into the super useful phrase 'under' (or its friends 'beneath' and 'below'). These words are all about position, specifically being in a lower spot. Think about it: a cat might be sleeping under the table, or you might feel like you're under a lot of stress. It's a versatile phrase that pops up everywhere in English!

We use 'under' to describe physical placement, like objects being lower than other objects. For example, the keys are under the newspaper. But it's not just about things you can see! We also use it for abstract concepts. You can be under contract for a job, or a country might be under attack. It really shows how flexible English can be.

The key idea is always about being in a lower position, whether it's literally on the ground or figuratively in a state of being. So, next time you see something lower than something else, or feel a certain way, you'll know exactly which word to reach for!

The word 'under' has a long and fascinating journey through history! It comes from Old English, where it was 'under'. This, in turn, traces back even further to Proto-Germanic, where the root was '*underaz'. If you look at other Germanic languages, you'll see similar words: 'under' in German, 'onder' in Dutch, and 'under' in Swedish and Norwegian. They all share that same ancient ancestor!

Interestingly, the Proto-Germanic '*underaz' is thought to have come from an even older Indo-European root, '*upo', which meant 'up, from under, more'. It's a bit mind-bending, right? The same root that gives us 'under' also gave us words like 'up' and 'over' in some related languages. This suggests that the concept of position, both high and low, was fundamental even in the earliest stages of these languages.

Over centuries, 'under' has kept its core meaning of being below something. While its spelling and pronunciation have slightly shifted, its fundamental role in describing spatial and abstract relationships has remained remarkably consistent. It’s a true survivor in the English vocabulary, proving its usefulness time and time again!

Alright, let's talk about how we actually *use* 'under' in everyday English. It's a workhorse word! Physically, it's often paired with prepositions like 'on' or 'in' to create contrast. You might say, 'The cat is under the table, not on it.' We also use it with specific nouns to describe states or conditions. Think about common phrases like under pressure, under construction, or under repair. These are super common and instantly understood.

When we talk about abstract concepts, 'under' can indicate control or influence. For instance, 'The project is under the supervision of Dr. Smith.' Or it can mean 'less than' a certain amount: 'The cost is under $50.' It's important to note the difference between 'under' and 'below'. While often interchangeable, 'below' can sometimes imply a greater distance or a less direct relationship than 'under'. For example, 'The town is below the mountain' (could be miles away) versus 'The cave entrance is under the rock overhang' (very close and directly beneath).

In formal settings, you'll see 'under' used in legal or official contexts, like 'The terms are under review' or 'He is under arrest.' In casual conversation, it's just as frequent: 'My phone is under my pillow.' The key is to pay attention to the noun that follows 'under' to grasp the specific meaning. It’s a word that bridges the gap between the literal and the figurative with ease!

English is full of colorful expressions, and 'under' is part of many of them! These idioms often have meanings that are quite different from the literal sense of being below something.

  • Under the weather: This means feeling sick or unwell. Example: 'I'm not going to work today; I'm feeling a bit under the weather.'
  • Under wraps: This means something is being kept secret or confidential. Example: 'The company's new product launch is currently under wraps.'
  • Under the table: This usually refers to paying someone money secretly, often illegally or to avoid taxes. Example: 'He paid the mechanic extra under the table to get the car fixed faster.'
  • Underdog: This refers to a person or team considered unlikely to win a contest or succeed. Example: 'Everyone loves to root for the underdog in a competition.'
  • Under one's belt: This means having achieved or acquired something, like experience or a qualification. Example: 'She has several years of experience under her belt before applying for the senior role.'
  • Under pressure: Feeling stressed or forced to do something, often because of deadlines or expectations. Example: 'The team performed well even though they were under immense pressure to win.'

Learning these idioms will definitely make your English sound more natural and help you understand native speakers better!

Let's break down the grammar and sounds of 'under'. As a preposition, 'under' typically takes an object, forming a prepositional phrase. For example, in 'The book is under the desk,' 'the desk' is the object of the preposition 'under'. It can also function as an adverb, often without an object, like 'He went under' (meaning underwater or beneath something). Sometimes, it's part of phrasal verbs or used as a prefix.

Pronunciation is pretty straightforward. In British English (RP), it's typically pronounced /'ʌndə/. The stress is on the first syllable, 'un'. The vowel sound in the first syllable is the short 'u' sound, like in 'cup' or 'sun'. The second syllable is a weak 'uh' sound, similar to the 'a' in 'about'. In American English, the pronunciation is very similar, often /'ʌndər/, with a slightly more pronounced 'r' sound at the end.

Common pronunciation errors might include misplacing the stress or not reducing the second syllable enough. Rhyming words for 'under' are few, but words ending in '-under' like 'thunder' or 'blunder' share the second syllable sound. Remember, the key is that short 'u' sound at the beginning and a relaxed 'uh' at the end!

Fun Fact

The same ancient root that gave us 'under' also contributed to words like 'up' and 'over' in some related languages, showing how basic positional concepts were fundamental.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʌndə/

Starts with the 'uh' sound as in 'cup', followed by 'n', then 'd', and ends with a soft 'uh' sound.

US /ˈʌndər/

Similar to British English, but with a more pronounced 'r' sound at the end.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing the first vowel as 'oo' (like 'moon') instead of 'uh' (like 'cup').
  • Adding too much stress to the second syllable.
  • Pronouncing the final 'r' too strongly in American English, or omitting it entirely in British English when it should be there.

Rhymes With

thunder blunder plunder wonder sunder

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read in most contexts.

Writing 2/5

Easy to use correctly in basic contexts.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce and use in basic conversation.

Listening 2/5

Easy to understand when heard.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

above below on in position

Learn Next

over beneath underneath prepositions of place

Advanced

subterranean subordinate subjugate inferior

Grammar to Know

Prepositions of Place

The book is <strong>on</strong> the table. The cat is <strong>under</strong> the table.

Using 'Under' for Abstract Concepts

He is <strong>under</strong> stress. The plan is <strong>under</strong> review.

Common Idiomatic Expressions

Learning idioms like 'under the weather' is crucial for fluency.

Examples by Level

1

The cat is under the table.

The / cat / is / under / the / table.

'under' shows position.

2

My book is under my bed.

My / book / is / under / my / bed.

Use 'my' for possession.

3

The ball is under the chair.

The / ball / is / under / the / chair.

Singular noun 'ball'.

4

He is under the umbrella.

He / is / under / the / umbrella.

Use 'He' for a boy/man.

5

The dog is under the blanket.

The / dog / is / under / the / blanket.

Use 'The' for a specific dog.

6

It is under the stairs.

It / is / under / the / stairs.

'It' refers to a thing.

7

Water is under the bridge.

Water / is / under / the / bridge.

Plural noun 'water' used as singular concept.

8

The toy is under the sofa.

The / toy / is / under / the / sofa.

Use 'the' for a specific toy.

1

The keys are under the newspaper.

The / keys / are / under / the / newspaper.

Plural subject 'keys' takes plural verb 'are'.

2

The car is under repair.

The / car / is / under / repair.

'under repair' means being fixed.

3

He works under a strict manager.

He / works / under / a / strict / manager.

'under a manager' means reporting to them.

4

The temperature is under 10 degrees.

The / temperature / is / under / 10 / degrees.

'under' indicates less than a specific number.

5

The secret is under wraps.

The / secret / is / under / wraps.

'under wraps' means secret.

6

She felt under a lot of pressure.

She / felt / under / a / lot / of / pressure.

'under pressure' means feeling stressed.

7

The town is below the mountains.

The / town / is / below / the / mountains.

'below' is often used for general lower position.

8

The book is under the pile of papers.

The / book / is / under / the / pile / of / papers.

Prepositional phrase 'pile of papers'.

1

The archaeological site is under excavation.

The / archaeological / site / is / under / excavation.

'under excavation' means actively being dug up.

2

He is under suspicion for the crime.

He / is / under / suspicion / for / the / crime.

'under suspicion' means suspected.

3

The company operates under a new policy.

The / company / operates / under / a / new / policy.

'under a policy' means following its rules.

4

Many soldiers were under his command.

Many / soldiers / were / under / his / command.

'under his command' means controlled by him.

5

The project is under review by the committee.

The / project / is / under / review / by / the / committee.

'under review' means being officially examined.

6

She has ten years of experience under her belt.

She / has / ten / years / of / experience / under / her / belt.

'under her belt' means acquired.

7

The refugees were living under harsh conditions.

The / refugees / were / living / under / harsh / conditions.

'under harsh conditions' means experiencing difficulty.

8

He managed to stay calm under pressure.

He / managed / to / stay / calm / under / pressure.

'under pressure' implies dealing with stress.

1

The fragile artifact was kept under glass.

The / fragile / artifact / was / kept / under / glass.

Implies protection and visibility.

2

He felt he was living under a cloud after the scandal.

He / felt / he / was / living / under / a / cloud / after / the / scandal.

Figurative: feeling unhappy or disgraced.

3

The negotiations are proceeding under the auspices of the UN.

The / negotiations / are / proceeding / under / the / auspices / of / the / UN.

'under the auspices of' means with the support/protection of.

4

The company's accounts were found to be under scrutiny.

The / company's / accounts / were / found / to / be / under / scrutiny.

'under scrutiny' means being examined very closely.

5

She managed to get the job done under budget.

She / managed / to / get / the / job / done / under / budget.

Means spending less money than allocated.

6

They were forced to sign the document under duress.

They / were / forced / to / sign / the / document / under / duress.

'under duress' means being forced by threats or violence.

7

The new policy falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health.

The / new / policy / falls / under / the / jurisdiction / of / the / Ministry / of / Health.

'falls under the jurisdiction' means it is under the official control of.

8

He has extensive research experience under his belt.

He / has / extensive / research / experience / under / his / belt.

Similar to 'has achieved'.

1

The ancient ruins lay hidden under layers of volcanic ash.

The / ancient / ruins / lay / hidden / under / layers / of / volcanic / ash.

Emphasizes burial and preservation.

2

He felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on him, like living under a constant burden.

He / felt / the / weight / of / responsibility / pressing / down / on / him, / like / living / under / a / constant / burden.

Metaphorical use for overwhelming responsibility.

3

The peace talks were held under the watchful eye of international observers.

The / peace / talks / were / held / under / the / watchful / eye / of / international / observers.

'under the watchful eye' implies close, careful supervision.

4

The company's financial health is currently under intense scrutiny by investors.

The / company's / financial / health / is / currently / under / intense / scrutiny / by / investors.

Highlights the severity and focus of the examination.

5

They managed to complete the complex project well under budget, showcasing remarkable efficiency.

They / managed / to / complete / the / complex / project / well / under / budget, / showcasing / remarkable / efficiency.

Emphasizes successful cost management.

6

The confession was obtained under duress, rendering it inadmissible in court.

The / confession / was / obtained / under / duress, / rendering / it / inadmissible / in / court.

Legal context for coercion.

7

This particular type of renewable energy falls under the broader category of sustainable technologies.

This / particular / type / of / renewable / energy / falls / under / the / broader / category / of / sustainable / technologies.

Classification and hierarchical grouping.

8

With several successful projects under her belt, she was the ideal candidate for the leadership role.

With / several / successful / projects / under / her / belt, / she / was / the / ideal / candidate / for / the / leadership / role.

Signifies accumulated experience and accomplishments.

1

The philosopher argued that true knowledge lies hidden under the veil of empirical observation.

The / philosopher / argued / that / true / knowledge / lies / hidden / under / the / veil / of / empirical / observation.

Metaphorical, suggesting knowledge is obscured by surface appearances.

2

He felt perpetually under the yoke of his demanding family, unable to pursue his own aspirations.

He / felt / perpetually / under / the / yoke / of / his / demanding / family, / unable / to / pursue / his / own / aspirations.

Strong metaphor for oppressive control and lack of freedom.

3

The delicate ceasefire negotiations proceeded under the careful mediation of a neutral third party.

The / delicate / ceasefire / negotiations / proceeded / under / the / careful / mediation / of / a / neutral / third / party.

Highlights the precise and controlled nature of the process.

4

The company's internal audit revealed significant discrepancies, placing its entire financial structure under intense scrutiny.

The / company's / internal / audit / revealed / significant / discrepancies, / placing / its / entire / financial / structure / under / intense / scrutiny.

Denotes a rigorous and potentially damaging examination.

5

Remarkably, the construction of the ambitious skyscraper was completed significantly under budget, a testament to meticulous planning.

Remarkably, / the / construction / of / the / ambitious / skyscraper / was / completed / significantly / under / budget, / a / testament / to / meticulous / planning.

Emphasizes exceptional financial management.

6

Any statement made by the suspect prior to legal counsel being present was deemed to have been extracted under duress.

Any / statement / made / by / the / suspect / prior / to / legal / counsel / being / present / was / deemed / to / have / been / extracted / under / duress.

Formal legal terminology for involuntary statements.

7

The classification of newly discovered species often falls under the established taxonomic framework, though exceptions require careful justification.

The / classification / of / newly / discovered / species / often / falls / under / the / established / taxonomic / framework, / though / exceptions / require / careful / justification.

Discusses adherence to and potential deviation from established systems.

8

Having navigated the complexities of international diplomacy for decades, the ambassador had a wealth of experience under her belt.

Having / navigated / the / complexities / of / international / diplomacy / for / decades, / the / ambassador / had / a / wealth / of / experience / under / her / belt.

Signifies profound and long-standing expertise.

Common Collocations

under pressure
under construction
under repair
under the table
under the weather
under control
under the influence
under arrest
under age
under threat

Idioms & Expressions

"under the weather"

Feeling unwell or sick.

I think I'll skip the party tonight; I'm feeling a little under the weather.

casual

"under wraps"

Kept secret or confidential.

The details of the merger are still under wraps until the official announcement.

neutral

"under the table"

Paid or given secretly, often illegally or to avoid taxes.

He received a substantial amount of cash under the table for his services.

neutral/informal

"underdog"

A competitor thought to have little chance of winning.

The team was considered the underdog, but they surprised everyone by winning the championship.

neutral

"under one's belt"

Having achieved or acquired something, especially experience or a qualification.

With five years of management experience under her belt, she was ready for the promotion.

neutral

"under pressure"

Experiencing stress or a sense of urgency due to demands or expectations.

The athletes performed admirably under immense pressure from the crowd.

neutral

Easily Confused

〜の下 vs below

Both indicate a lower position.

'Under' often implies direct contact or a closer relationship, while 'below' can indicate a more general lower position or greater distance.

The keys are <strong>under</strong> the rug. The town is <strong>below</strong> the mountain range.

〜の下 vs over

Both are prepositions of position.

'Under' means lower than; 'over' means higher than or covering.

The cat is <strong>under</strong> the table. The bird flew <strong>over</strong> the house.

〜の下 vs beneath

Very similar meaning to 'under'.

'Beneath' is often more formal or literary. It can sometimes imply a lesser status or worth, though not always.

He felt degraded working <strong>beneath</strong> such an incompetent supervisor. (Formal) The roots grew deep <strong>under</strong> the soil. (Neutral)

〜の下 vs underneath

Almost identical meaning to 'under'.

'Underneath' is often used interchangeably with 'under' for physical location and can sometimes add a slight emphasis on being completely covered or hidden.

She found the spare key <strong>underneath</strong> the flowerpot. (Neutral) The cat is sleeping <strong>under</strong> the blanket. (Neutral)

Sentence Patterns

A1-C2

Subject + verb + under + object

The cat slept <strong>under</strong> the table.

A2-C2

Subject + be + under + noun (abstract)

The project is <strong>under</strong> construction.

B1-C2

Subject + verb + under + article + noun

He works <strong>under</strong> a lot of pressure.

A2-C2

Subject + verb + under + number

The cost will be <strong>under</strong> fifty dollars.

B1-C2

Idiom: Under + noun

She's feeling <strong>under</strong> the weather.

Word Family

Nouns

underside The bottom or lower surface of something.
undergrowth A dense growth of low trees and bushes.

Verbs

underline Draw a line under (a word or phrase) to emphasize it.
undermine Erode the base or foundation of (a rock formation); lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually.

Adjectives

underground Situated or operating below the surface of the ground.
understated Presented or expressed in a subtle and restrained way.

Related

sub- Prefix meaning 'under', 'below', 'beneath', or 'secondary'.

How to Use It

Formality Scale

Under the table (often informal/suggests illegality) Under wraps (neutral/informal) Under pressure (neutral) Under the weather (casual) Beneath (formal/literary) Underneath (neutral) Below (neutral)

Common Mistakes

Using 'under' when 'over' or 'above' is needed for higher position. The plane flew over the clouds.
'Under' specifically means lower than.
Confusing 'under' with 'below' in very specific contexts. The town is located below the mountain range.
While often interchangeable, 'below' can sometimes imply a greater distance or a less direct relationship than 'under'. 'Under' often suggests direct proximity.
Using 'under' instead of 'in' or 'during' for time. We will discuss this during the meeting.
'Under' is not typically used to indicate time frames.
Incorrectly using 'under' with abstract concepts. She is experiencing significant stress.
While 'under stress' is correct, avoid using 'under' where it doesn't fit abstractly, e.g., 'under happiness'.
Omitting the object after 'under' when it's needed. The cat is hiding under the bed.
As a preposition, 'under' usually requires an object to specify what it is under.

Tips

💡

Think 'Lower Than'

The core idea of 'under' is always about being in a position lower than something else. Whether it's physically below a table or figuratively below expectations, remember this basic concept.

💡

Prepositional Power

As a preposition, 'under' usually needs an object (the thing it's under). 'The cat is under...' needs completion: '...the table.' As an adverb, it can sometimes stand alone: 'He went under.'

💡

Idiom Alert!

Many common English idioms use 'under'. Don't just learn the word; learn phrases like 'under the weather' and 'under wraps' as chunks of language.

💡

Visualize the Position

Create a mental image: a book under a desk, a person under an umbrella. Visualizing the physical placement helps solidify the meaning.

💡

Stress the First Syllable

Remember to stress the first syllable ('UN-der') and keep the second syllable ('-der') short and unstressed, especially in American English.

💡

Don't Go 'Over' When You Mean 'Under'

Be careful not to confuse 'under' (lower) with 'over' or 'above' (higher). Always check the direction of the position.

💡

Ancient Roots

The word 'under' is ancient, coming from Old English and even older Proto-Germanic roots. Its core meaning has stayed remarkably consistent, showing its fundamental importance in language.

💡

Formal vs. Casual

Words like 'beneath' and 'underneath' can sound more formal or literary than 'under'. Choose your word based on the situation and audience.

💡

Prefix Power

Recognize 'under-' as a prefix in words like 'underground' and 'underline'. This prefix consistently means 'below' or 'less than'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person *under* a big, heavy *thunder* cloud. They feel low and maybe a bit scared.

Visual Association

Picture a table with a cat sleeping directly *under* it.

Word Web

Position Low Beneath Below Control Stress Secrecy

Challenge

Find five objects in your room and describe their position using 'under'. For example, 'The pen is under the book.'

Word Origin

Old English

Original meaning: Beneath, below, among.

Cultural Context

Generally, 'under' is not a sensitive word. However, phrases like 'under the influence' (of drugs/alcohol) or 'under arrest' refer to serious situations. Be mindful of context.

The concept of being 'under' is deeply ingrained in English culture, from physical spaces ('under the roof') to social structures ('under the law') and emotional states ('under stress'). Many idioms reflect this, highlighting both positive ('under contract' - security) and negative ('under attack' - danger) connotations.

The song 'Under Pressure' by Queen and David Bowie. The phrase 'under the weather' is a common way to explain absence. Many fairy tales involve characters hiding 'under' things (beds, tables).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Describing physical location

  • under the table
  • under the bed
  • under the bridge

Describing states or conditions

  • under construction
  • under repair
  • under control

Describing feelings or abstract situations

  • under pressure
  • under suspicion
  • under the influence

Describing limits or amounts

  • under $100
  • under age
  • under 5 minutes

Conversation Starters

"Did you see that cat hiding under the car?"

"I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately, have you?"

"Do you think the new project is under too much pressure?"

"What's the most interesting thing you've ever found under something?"

"Are there any major construction projects under way in your city right now?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you felt under a lot of pressure. What helped you cope?

Think about a secret you kept 'under wraps'. How did it feel?

Write about a place you know well and describe things that are located 'under' other objects.

Imagine you are the 'underdog' in a situation. What is your strategy for success?

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

While often interchangeable, 'under' usually implies a more direct or closer relationship of being beneath something, whereas 'below' can suggest a greater distance or a more general lower position. For example, 'The keys are <strong>under</strong> the mat' (directly beneath) vs. 'The village is <strong>below</strong> the mountain' (further down).

Yes, absolutely! We use 'under' for abstract concepts like 'under pressure', 'under construction', 'under contract', 'under suspicion', and 'under the influence'.

No. While its core meaning is about position, it's widely used figuratively. Think of 'under control', 'under development', or idioms like 'under the weather'.

It usually refers to paying money secretly, often to avoid taxes or regulations, or to bribe someone. It implies something is not openly acknowledged.

You use 'under' to indicate a quantity less than a specific number, like 'The price is <strong>under</strong> $10' or 'He is <strong>under</strong> 18 years old'.

'Beneath' is often more formal or literary than 'under'. While they both mean 'in or to a lower position', 'beneath' can sometimes carry a connotation of being less worthy or important, though this is not always the case.

Yes, 'under-' is a common prefix meaning 'below', 'beneath', or 'less than'. Examples include 'underground', 'underline', 'underside', and 'underestimate'.

It's an idiom meaning that someone is feeling slightly ill or unwell.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

The cat is hiding ___ the bed.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: under

'Under' means in a lower position than the bed.

multiple choice A2

Which sentence means the item is being fixed?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: The car is under repair.

'Under repair' is a common phrase meaning something is being fixed.

true false B1

If a project is 'under development', it means it is finished and ready to be released.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

'Under development' means it is still being worked on and is not finished.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

These are common idioms using the word 'under'.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct sentence is 'The car is under repair'.

fill blank B2

He felt he was living ______ a constant burden.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: under

'Under a burden' is a common figurative expression for feeling weighed down.

multiple choice C1

Which phrase indicates something is being closely examined?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Under scrutiny

'Under scrutiny' means being examined very carefully.

true false C1

The idiom 'under the table' always refers to a legitimate, albeit secret, payment.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

It often implies illegal or unethical payments, like tax evasion.

fill blank C2

The ancient artifact was discovered ______ layers of sediment.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: under

'Under layers' indicates it was buried beneath them.

sentence completion C2

The diplomat worked tirelessly to keep the peace talks ______ the watchful eye of international observers.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: under

'Under the watchful eye' implies being supervised or observed closely.

Score: /10

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