Above

As we know that ‘Above’ is a preposition that is used before a noun or pronoun to show the relationship between two words / group of words / sentences. But, today I will discuss ‘Above’ as both preposition and adverb used in a sentence. In down section explanation of ‘Above’ as adverb is given. So, let’s start as preposition before.

‘Above’ Used as Preposition

Higher Position

Firstly, I introduce you the meaning of above that is ‘higher than’ or ‘over’. We usually use it when there is no contact between two or more people / things.

When the position of any one of the objects or persons is higher than others, then ‘Above’ is used to show higher position.

For Example :

  1.   New Delhi is 216 m above sea level.
  2.   Aeroplane flies above cloud.

Now, Let’s discuss more about these examples

In the first given example the position of New Delhi is higher 216 m than sea level. So, this higher level ‘above’ is representing in the example.

In the second example the position of flying aeroplane is higher than cloud. So, this higher level ‘above’ is representing in the example.

Use of Above preposition in English Grammar
Use of Above preposition in English Grammar


More than Number or Quantity

Now, We shall discuss here ‘Above’ representing as more in any number or a quantity. When a number or quantity is more or over its limitation, then ‘Above’ represent the over number or quantity regarding with limitation.

For Example :

  1.       There are above twenty people in that crowd.
  2.       His expenses are above his means.
Now, Let’s discuss more about these examples

In the given first example the quantity of the people in the crowd is more or over than its limitation, that is twenty. Here 'above' is representing that the number of people is over limitation.

In the given second example the quantity of his expenses is more or over than his income (means) or limitation. Here 'above' is representing more or over expenses.

Superior

We shall discuss here ‘Above’ representing as one thing or people greatest or superior to others. Or, When anyone (anything) is out of the coverage of that situation. Then, ‘Above’ represent the situation of  out of coverage.

For Example :

1.    Mr. Sen is a publisher above suspicion.

2.    He is a teacher above suspicion

Now, Let’s discuss more about these examples

In the given first example Mr. Sen is beyond suspicion but not are others. Means, Mr. Sen is considered as superior publisher who is  beyond of any suspicion but none of other publishers are same as Mr. Sen. Here 'above' is representing the ‘beyond of coverage / suspicion of Mr. Sen.

In the given second example 'He' is beyond suspicion but not are others. Means, 'He' is considered as superior teacher who is  beyond of any suspicion but none of other teachers are same as 'He'. Here 'above' is representing the ‘beyond of coverage / suspicion of him.

 

Level

Now we shall discuss here about the level. 'Above' is used to compare the level of any object or person either high or low. Therefore, ‘above’ compares any objects or persons with regard to height.

For Example :

1.    Aeroplane flies above the birds fly.

2.    Birds fly above the buildings.

Now, Let’s discuss more about these examples

In the first example given above the fly of aeroplane is compared to  the fly of birds. Means, the level of flying aeroplane is higher than the flying level of birds. This higher is represented by ‘Above’ in this sentence.

In the second example the fly of birds is compared to  the buildings. Means, the level of flying birds is higher than the level of buildings. This higher is represented by ‘Above’ in this sentence.

‘Above’  Used as Adverb

Basically we use ‘above’ mostly as a preposition but, in some cases or example it is used also as ‘adverb’. Adverb means the word which qualify or explain something about verb is called Adverb.

For Example :

1.    Grasshopper comes out while birds flew above.

2.    Cold air comes here while hot air rose above.

Now, Let’s discuss more about these examples

In the first example given , birds fly, and ‘above’ explain the position of flying birds up or down. So, this qualify or explain the word ‘flew’ in the sentence. So, ‘above’ is here as an adverb.

In the second example given , cold air comes, and  hot air rise up. In this sentence ‘above’ explain the position of hot air rising up. So, this qualify or explain the word ‘rose’ in the sentence. So, ‘above’ is here as an adverb.