Above vs Over
Over and above are two words that are often confused in terms of their usage as a result of not knowing the difference between above and over. Strictly speaking there is a wealth of difference between the two words, over and above. It is important to note that both the words can be used in the sense of ‘higher than’. As words, both over and above are used as prepositions as well as adverbs. Then, a brief look at the history of the words over and above suggests that above comes from the Old English word abufan while the word over comes from the Old English word ofer.
What does Above mean?
The word above can be used in the sense ‘higher than.’ Observe the sentence given below.
The water came up above our knees.
This sentence is correct. It simply means that the water level rose over these people’s knees. That meaning is given by use of the preposition above.
On the other hand, the word above is used when you want to express measurement in terms of height or vertically up and down a scale as in the sentences given below.
His body temperature went above the normal.
Francis is above average in studies.
In the first sentence, the word above is used in the sense of ‘height’ by the scale. In the second sentence, the word above is used in the sense of measurement in terms of intelligence.
What does Over mean?
As mentioned earlier, over can be used with the sense ‘higher than.’ Look at the sentence given below.
The water came up over our knees.
It is interesting to note that this sentence is also correct.
One of the main differences between the usages of above and over is that you should use the word ‘over’ if you want to convey the sense of ‘covering’ or ‘crossing’ as in the sentences given below.
The plane was flying over Sydney.
You can see rain bearing clouds over the mountain.
In the first sentence, you can see that the word over conveys the sense of ‘crossing’. On the other hand, in the second sentence you can see that the word ‘over’ conveys the sense of ‘covering’.
Similarly, if you wish to express numbers, then you should use the word over as in the following sentence.
There are over one million people suffering from the dreaded disease.
In this sentence, you can find that the word over conveys the idea of ‘numbers’.
What is the difference between Above and Over?
• It is important to note that both the words, over and above, can be used in the sense of ‘higher than’.
• One of the main differences between the usages of above and over is that you should use the word over if you want to convey the sense of ‘covering’ or ‘crossing.’
• Similarly, if you wish to express numbers, then you should use the word over .
• On the other hand, the word above is used when you want to express measurement in terms of height or vertically up and down a scale.
These are the important differences between the words over and above.