347. Using the Prepositions Over and Above

The prepositions over and above seem similar, but there are important distinctions between them.

The word over is used whenever there is movement or action.
I climbed over the fence.
The airplane flew over the ocean.
Sue leaned over the railing.

The word over is also used to talk about something overhead and nearby.
I’m happy to have a roof over my head.
A big tree limb reaches over my front porch.
I hung the picture over my bed.

The word above refers to something on an upper level and not moving.
The stars are in the sky above me.
My bedroom is above the garage.
This city is barely above sea level.

Use the preposition over to show movement or the placement of something overhead nearby.
Use above when talking about something on a higher level and not moving.

  • It’s your turn. Decide whether you should use over or above for the blank in this sentence. The truck drove ____ the bridge. Did you figure it out? Good for you!