The part of speech of the word “under” depends on how it is used in a sentence:
- Preposition – This is the most common usage. It shows a relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence.
- Example: The keys are under the table.
- (Shows location)
- Adverb – When used alone to modify a verb.
- Example: He looked under to check for the missing item.
- (Modifies “looked” by indicating where he looked)
- Adjective – In some cases, it describes a state or condition.
- Example: The project is under review.
- (Describes the state of the project)
- Prefix – When used as part of a word, it can indicate something beneath or insufficient.
- Example: Underdone, underestimate, underdeveloped.
Detailed Explanation of “Under” as a Part of Speech
1. “Under” as a Preposition
A preposition shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word in a sentence. “Under” as a preposition is often used to indicate:
- Location (beneath something)
- Condition (being affected by something)
- Rule or authority (subject to control)
Examples:
- Location: The book is under the table. (Indicates position)
- Condition: He is under a lot of pressure at work. (Indicates a state of being affected)
- Authority: The country was under British rule. (Indicates control)
2. “Under” as an Adverb
An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. “Under” as an adverb often describes where or how something happens.
Examples:
- He looked under to check for the keys. (Describes where he looked)
- The dog crawled under quickly. (Describes how the dog moved)
3. “Under” as an Adjective
“Under” can function as an adjective when it describes a condition or state.
Examples:
- The contract is under negotiation. (Describes the current state of the contract)
- The bridge is under construction. (Indicates an ongoing process)
4. “Under” as a Prefix
When “under” is attached to a word as a prefix, it modifies the meaning to indicate something beneath, insufficient, or not enough.
Examples:
- Underdone → Not fully cooked
- Underestimate → To judge as less than actual
- Underdeveloped → Not fully grown or advanced
Further Clarification on “Under” in Different Contexts
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how “under” functions in different parts of speech, with additional examples.
1. “Under” as a Preposition
A preposition connects a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence, often showing direction, place, time, cause, manner, or degree.
Common Uses of “Under” as a Preposition
| Usage Type | Example Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Position/Location | The shoes are under the bed. | Beneath a surface or object |
| Condition/State | She is under stress due to exams. | Affected by a certain situation |
| Authority/Control | The company operates under strict regulations. | Subject to rules or command |
| Rank/Hierarchy | She works under the manager. | Lower in position or reporting to someone |
| Measurement/Limit | The temperature is under 10 degrees Celsius. | Less than a certain amount |
| Concealment | The spy worked under a false identity. | Hidden or disguised |
💡 Tip: If “under” is followed by a noun and shows a relationship, it’s a preposition.
2. “Under” as an Adverb
An adverb modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. “Under” functions as an adverb when it describes how, where, or to what extent an action happens.
Common Uses of “Under” as an Adverb
| Usage Type | Example Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | He dived under quickly. | Modifies “dived” to show movement |
| Position | She glanced under before lifting the box. | Modifies “glanced” to indicate where she looked |
| State | His name was called, but he remained under. | Suggests he stayed in a lower position |
💡 Tip: If “under” appears alone and modifies a verb, it’s likely an adverb.
3. “Under” as an Adjective
An adjective describes a noun. “Under” functions as an adjective when it describes a state or condition of something.
Examples of “Under” as an Adjective
- The house is under construction. → (Describes the state of the house)
- The policy is under review. → (Indicates an ongoing process)
- The patient is under observation. → (Indicates being watched or monitored)
💡 Tip: If “under” is part of a phrase that describes a noun’s current condition, it functions as an adjective.
4. “Under” as a Prefix
A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of another word to change its meaning. “Under-” is commonly used as a prefix to indicate insufficiency, being beneath something, or being in a lower state.
Common “Under-” Prefix Examples
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Underrated | Not valued highly enough |
| Underpaid | Not paid enough |
| Underestimate | To judge something as less than it is |
| Underdeveloped | Not fully developed |
| Undercooked | Not cooked enough |
💡 Tip: If “under” is attached to another word and changes its meaning, it’s acting as a prefix.
How to Identify “Under” in a Sentence
If you’re unsure of how “under” is functioning in a sentence, ask yourself:
- Is “under” followed by a noun that it relates to another word? → Preposition
- Is “under” modifying a verb by describing how, when, or where? → Adverb
- Is “under” describing the condition or status of a noun? → Adjective
- Is “under” attached to another word, changing its meaning? → Prefix
