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Nelly Boichenco Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

to underlie

Hi!
I wonder how can I use the word "underlie" and what does it means.
Can I say :
"This phenomenon underlies many observable physical effects. " ?
Will the next sentence be better :
This phenomenon is the basics for many observable physical effects.
  

Top answer

Nelly Boichenco Can I say :"This phenomenon underlies many observable physical effects. " ? Yes.

— Avangi

  • Nelly Boichenco Can I say :"This phenomenon underlies many observable physical effects.
  • " ?
  • Yes.
  • I prefer it to your last alternative.
  • )
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4 Answers
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Nelly BoichencoCan I say :"This phenomenon underlies many observable physical effects. " ?
Yes.
I prefer it to your last alternative.

(You appear to understand the meaning!)
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Thank you for the answer!

Could yo be so kind to explain me the difference between "to underlie" and "to be the basics for" ?
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Nelly BoichencoThis phenomenon underlies many observable physical effects. ... [vs] ...This phenomenon is the basics basis for many observable physical effects.
'underlies' is fine. It sounds better than 'basis' to my ear, though both convey the same general idea.

'underlies' gives the impression of some
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Thank you for the answer.
I've got it. :- )
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