Mastering “Under” Chunks
The preposition under is used in many fixed expressions and collocations. Learning these expressions as chunks rather than as individual words can help you speak and write more naturally.
Here are 18 useful "under + noun" chunks, ranging from everyday expressions to more formal ones.
People and Personal Influence
1. under the thumb of
Meaning: Completely controlled or dominated by someone.
Examples:
He is under the thumb of his boss.
She seems to be under the thumb of her husband.
The minister is under the thumb of powerful business interests.
Tip: This expression usually suggests that the control is excessive or undesirable.
2. under the influence of
Meaning: Affected or controlled by someone or something.
Examples:
He acted strangely under the influence of alcohol.
Young people can be strongly under the influence of their peers.
The artist was clearly under the influence of traditional Japanese art.
Note: When referring to alcohol or drugs, this expression means that someone is physically or mentally affected by them.
3. under the spell of
Meaning: Strongly fascinated, attracted, or influenced by someone or something.
Examples:
The audience was under the spell of the magician.
She fell under the spell of the beautiful city.
Many readers remain under the spell of Shakespeare's works.
4. under the delusion that…
Meaning: Believing something that is not true.
Examples:
He lives under the delusion that he is always right.
She was under the delusion that everyone admired her.
He seems to be under the delusion that money can solve every problem.
Pattern:
under the delusion that + clauseis more natural in modern English thanunder the delusion of + noun.
Situations and Conditions
5. under any circumstances / under no circumstances
Meaning: In any situation or conditions.
Examples:
You must not open this door under any circumstances.
I wouldn't accept the offer under any circumstances.
Variation (under no circumstances): Means "not at all" or "in no situation."
Under no circumstances should you reveal this information.
Grammar Note: When under no circumstances starts a sentence, use inversion:
Under no circumstances + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb.
6. under arrest
Meaning: Officially detained by the police.
Examples:
The suspect is under arrest.
He was placed under arrest last night.
Common Patterns:
be under arrest|place someone under arrest
7. under attack
Meaning: Being attacked physically or verbally.
Examples:
The soldiers came under attack shortly after midnight.
The government is under attack from opposition parties.
The company has come under attack for its environmental policies.
Key Chunk: come under attack
8. under consideration
Meaning: Being considered or carefully thought about (formal/official).
Examples:
Your application is currently under consideration.
Several proposals are under consideration.
The possibility of extending the deadline is under consideration.
9. under discussion
Meaning: Currently being discussed.
Examples:
The proposal is still under discussion.
Several important issues are under discussion at the moment.
Quick Difference:
Under consideration = being evaluated/considered.
Under discussion = being spoken about/debated.
10. under construction
Meaning: Being built or developed.
Examples:
The new bridge is under construction.
The road is currently under construction.
The website is still under construction.
Control, Examination, and Suspicion
11. under control
Meaning: Being successfully managed or restrained.
Examples:
The situation is now under control.
The fire is finally under control.
Don't worry. Everything is under control.
Common Patterns:
bring under control|get under control|keep under control
12. under review
Meaning: Being examined or evaluated again (formal/administrative).
Examples:
The policy is currently under review.
The government has put the regulations under review.
The decision is under review following the complaint.
13. under suspicion
Meaning: Believed to have possibly committed a crime or done something wrong.
Examples:
He is under suspicion of fraud.
Several employees came under suspicion after the money disappeared.
Common Patterns:
come under suspicion|fall under suspicion
14. under fire
Meaning: Being strongly criticized or physically attacked.
Examples:
The government is under fire for its new policy.
The company came under fire after the scandal.
The soldiers came under fire from the enemy.
15. under pressure
Meaning: Experiencing stress or being forced to do something.
Examples:
She works well under pressure.
The government is under pressure to reduce taxes.
Students often feel under pressure before examinations.
Common Patterns:
be under pressure|come under pressure|put pressure on someone
Specialized Contexts
16. under sedation (Medical)
Meaning: Relaxed or asleep due to sedative medication.
Examples:
The patient was kept under sedation after the operation.
The procedure was carried out while she was under sedation.
17. under anaesthetic (Medical)
Meaning: Temporarily unconscious or insensitive to pain due to an anaesthetic.
Examples:
The patient was under anaesthetic during the operation.
He was under a general anaesthetic for two hours.
Spelling Note: Anaesthetic (British English) | Anesthetic (American English).
18. under arms (Military)
Meaning: Carrying weapons; ready for military action (formal).
Examples:
Thousands of soldiers were under arms.
The country had millions of men under arms during the war.
Quick Revision Table
| Chunk | Meaning |
| under the thumb of | Controlled or dominated by someone |
| under the influence of | Affected or controlled by someone/something |
| under the spell of | Fascinated or captivated |
| under the delusion that | Believing something untrue |
| under any circumstances | In any situation |
| under arrest | Officially detained by police |
| under attack | Being attacked or criticized |
| under consideration | Being considered |
| under discussion | Being discussed |
| under construction | Being built or developed |
| under control | Successfully managed |
| under review | Being examined or evaluated |
| under suspicion | Suspected of wrongdoing |
| under fire | Being attacked or strongly criticized |
| under pressure | Experiencing stress or forced to act |
| under sedation | Affected by sedative drugs |
| under anaesthetic | Unconscious/insensitive to pain |
| under arms | Armed and ready for military action |
Chunks in Action (Real Context)
In Writing
The government has come under fire for its failure to control rising prices. At the same time, it is under pressure from opposition parties to introduce immediate reforms. Several proposals are currently under consideration, while others remain under discussion. Officials have promised that the situation is under control and that the new measures will be under review regularly.
The new highway is still under construction, and several sections are under review because of safety concerns. Meanwhile, the company responsible for the project has come under suspicion following allegations of corruption. However, the authorities have said that no one will be placed under arrest unless sufficient evidence is found.
In Conversation
Ramesh: Have you heard about the new government policy?
Sita: Yes. It has already come under fire from several groups.
Ramesh: I can understand why. The government is already under pressure to deal with the economic situation.
Sita: True. But I heard that some alternative proposals are under consideration.
Ramesh: Yes, and the issue is still under discussion. Nothing has been decided yet.
Sita: What about the road project? Is it still under construction?
Ramesh: Yes. And the whole project is now under review because of the rising costs.
Sita: Well, let's hope everything comes under control soon.
Ramesh: I hope so. Otherwise, the government will remain under fire for a long time.
Final Takeaway
One of the best ways to expand your vocabulary is to learn words in chunks rather than individual units.
Instead of learning only pressure, learn the complete chunk: under pressure.
Instead of learning only suspicion, learn: under suspicion.
Instead of memorising control, learn useful combinations such as: under control, bring something under control, and keep something under control.
These ready-made combinations make your English more natural, fluent, and precise. Learn the chunk, notice it in context, and use it repeatedly!"
Explore next: Chunks with Over
Comments
Post a Comment