What is the Difference Between Above and Over?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The words "above" and "over" are often used to describe a position or height that is higher than something else. However, they have different connotations and applications in specific contexts:
- Above: When something is higher than something else, you can use "above" if there is no contact between the two things, or if one thing is much higher than the other with a lot of space between them. For example, "We heard a noise in the apartment above ours".
- Over: "Over" can also be used to describe a position that is higher than something else, but it usually implies that one thing is at a higher level than another, and the first thing is moving or touching the second. For example, "He opened a cupboard over the sink".
Both "above" and "over" can be used to talk about measurements and quantities, such as "above 1" and "over 1". However, when talking about a specific number of things or a quantity, "over" is the preferred choice, as "above" is not commonly used with numbers. For example, instead of saying "She had above thirty pairs of shoes," you would say "She had over thirty pairs of shoes".
In summary, "above" is typically used when there is no contact between the two things being compared, while "over" implies some form of contact or movement between the two things.
Comparative Table: Above vs Over
Here is a table comparing the differences between "above" and "over":
| Aspect | Above | Over |
|---|---|---|
| Indicates | Location only | Location and motion |
| Numbers | Not used with numbers | Used with numbers |
| Space | Must be there | May or may not be there |
| Examples | Joseph is intelligent, honest, and above all, caring. | She worked as a stock market analyst for over 10 years. |
"Above" is used to indicate a position that is higher than something else, without any contact between the two objects. There must be some space between the two objects for "above" to be used.
"Over" is used to indicate a position that is higher than something else, even if one object is directly above the other, provided that the upper object covers the lower one. It can also be used with numbers and to describe motion.
In summary, "above" is used to describe a position or height difference without contact, while "over" is used to describe a position or height difference with contact and can also be used with numbers and to describe motion.