What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beneath
Example
The cat hid beneath the bed when it heard a loud noise. [beneath: preposition]
Example
She felt a sense of relief when she discovered the truth beneath his lies. [beneath: adverb]
under
Example
The book is under the table. [under: preposition]
Example
He wore a hat to protect himself from the sun's rays while working under the scorching heat. [under: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Under is more commonly used than beneath in everyday language. Under is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while beneath is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between beneath and under?
While beneath is typically associated with a more formal and literary tone, under is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
