Learners of English find it difficult to differentiate between ‘over’ and ‘above’ as these two words are used in the sense of ‘at a higher level or place’. Those who have a good exposure to the English language through regular reading learn to use the words appropriately.
Due to the influence of one’s mother tongue many learners use ‘over’ in the place of ‘above’ and vice versa. This week’s column is the response to a query raised by Paramita Mishra who teaches English in Orissa. Here is the query: What is the difference between ‘on’, ‘above’ and ‘over’? Can ‘on’ be used in the place of ‘over’ or ‘above’? The word ‘over’ implies movement from one location or position to another whereas ‘above’ implies only location and not movement. Look at the examples below:
• I climbed over the wall.
• Please come over here and see the photo.
• Look at the sentences above.
• How beautiful are the stars above!
‘Above’ means ‘in extended space over and not touching’ as in this example: The announcement is put on the notice board above my head. In contrast, ‘on’ implies physical contact with a surface. That is, the thing that is put over something is in contact with or touches it as in this example: Don’t keep the bag on your head.
In English, many words have different meanings and only from contexts we can understand the meaning of a particular word. For example, the preposition ‘over’ has 19 different meanings. Below are some of the meanings and
Example sentences:
1. Above in place: The fan over your head is making much noise.
2. Above and to the other side of: John jumped over a wall.
3. Above in rank, power, etc: Is there anyone over you in the department?
4. Reaching higher than: Be careful. Don’t come here. Here the water is over your shoulder.
5. Via: I heard the news over the radio.
6. Throughout the duration of: Her relationship with him continued over a period of six years.
7. The other side of: Can you see the building over the lake?
8. More than: This dining table may cost over fifteen thousand rupees.
9. In preference to: Mr Khanna was selected over Mr Kumar.
Only in sentences 1 and 3 above, the word ‘over’ can be replaced by ‘above’. Both the phrases ‘over one’s shoulder/head’ and ‘above one’s shoulder/head’ sound natural.
Similarly, ‘someone over me in the department’ and ‘someone above me in the department’ sound fine. Both ‘over’ and ‘above’ mean ‘at a place higher than something or someone’ and in this sense though either of the prepositions can be used, ‘over’ is more common.
• There was a light over/above this table when I visited this restaurant last week.
• The fan over/above your head is 10 years old.
When the two words mean more than something, either ‘over’ or ‘above’ can be used in sentences to convey the meaning.
• Only citizens over/above 18 years are eligible to vote.
• Do you value money above/over time?
Rayanal@yahoo.co.uk