Definition:
as a preposition, 'underneath' indicates a position directly below or beneath something else.
Rules:
It is used to show the relationship of a subject or noun to another entity in terms of position. It often conveys a sense of being covered or obscured by what's above.
Examples:
The cat is sleeping underneath the table.
You'll find the spare key underneath the doormat.
The roots of the tree spread out underneath the ground.
Tips:
'Underneath' and 'under' can often be used interchangeably, but 'underneath' can sometimes emphasize a deeper or more covered position. For example, while 'under the bed' might mean just below the bed, 'underneath the bed' might imply a position further in, perhaps in the center of the space below the bed.
Definition:
as an adverb, 'underneath' describes a position or location that is directly below or beneath something else.
Rules:
It can describe where something is located or the direction in which something is moving.
Examples:
He looked under the car and saw the cat sitting underneath.
The foundation was unstable, and the house collapsed underneath.
She wore a jacket with a bright shirt underneath.
Tips:
when using 'underneath' as an adverb, it's not followed by an object, unlike its use as a preposition. Ensure that the context makes it clear that you're describing a position or direction.