What is the Difference Between Below and Under?

The prepositions "below" and "under" are often interchangeable, but they have some differences in usage:

1. Frequency: "Under" is used more widely than "below". When in doubt, it is more likely to be correct to use "under."
2. Meaning: "Below" is typically used when something is at a lower level than another, while "under" can also mean "guided or controlled by". For example, "The boat passed under the bridge" (movement) and "The saucer is under the cup" (touching).
3. Formality: "Beneath" and "underneath" are interchangeable with "under" and "below," but they are considered more formal. For example, "We sat under the tree" (most common/best choice), "We sat below the tree" (less common), "We sat underneath the tree" (a little more formal), and "We sat beneath the tree" (more formal).

In summary, use "under" as the default preposition when unsure, and consider using "below" when the meaning is "lower" or "less than." Additionally, "beneath" and "underneath" can be used as more formal alternatives to "under" and "below," respectively.

Comparative Table: Below vs Under

The difference between "below" and "under" is subtle, but they are not interchangeable in all contexts. Here is a table comparing their usage:

Both "under" and "below" are prepositions meaning something is lower or less than something else. However, "below" is more often used to describe objects on different levels, such as pictures on a wall or temperature levels. On the other hand, "under" is commonly used for 3-dimensional objects and situations, like something being under a table or layered. It is also used in idiomatic expressions like "under stress" or "under control".