"underneath the pillow" vs "underneath a pillow"

Question

"underneath the pillow" vs "underneath a pillow"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Underneath a pillow' is more general and can refer to any pillow, while 'underneath the pillow' is more specific and refers to a particular pillow that has been previously mentioned or is known in the context.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

This phrase is used when referring to a specific location under a particular pillow that has been previously mentioned or is known in the context.

Examples:

The remote control was hidden underneath the pillow on the sofa.
She found a note underneath the pillow on her bed.

Alternatives:

under the pillow
beneath the pillow

This phrase is used when referring to a general location under any pillow, without specifying a particular one.

Examples:

I found my missing earring underneath a pillow on the couch.
The cat likes to hide underneath a pillow on the bed.

Alternatives:

under a pillow
beneath a pillow

Answer 1

underneath the pillow

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

underneath a pillow

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"underneath the pillow" vs "underneath a pillow"

underneath the pillow

underneath a pillow

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