be above

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be above" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is superior in rank, status, or quality, or to suggest that one should rise above a situation or behavior. Example: "In difficult times, it's important to be above petty arguments and focus on what truly matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Caesar's wife should be above suspicion.

The New York Times - Books

That would be above and beyond the call of duty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those players have to be above and beyond reproach now.

The New York Times - Sports

"They need to appear to be above influence.

The New York Times

To be above average.

Huffington Post

But those would be above ground.

Huffington Post

So with Lip Sync, you cannot be "above" it.

Vice

will be above 105.

The New Yorker

To be above the law?

The New Yorker

We should be above that".

The New York Times

Be above it".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be above" to describe ethical conduct, ensure the context clearly indicates what standard or expectation is being exceeded. For example, "The politician must be above any hint of corruption."

Common error

Avoid using "be above" when simply indicating a preference or liking. This phrase denotes a higher level of ethical standing or rank, not personal taste. Instead of "I'm above reality shows", consider "I don't watch reality shows".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be above" primarily functions as a verb phrase that signifies exceeding a certain level, standard, or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase, often implying superiority, ethical standing, or immunity. It can also indicate a location that is physically higher.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be above" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to denote superiority, ethical standards, or immunity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the context and avoid misusing it for personal preferences. Remember that "be above" signifies exceeding a benchmark, not just a simple liking or disliking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rise above

Focuses on overcoming a challenge or negative situation.

transcend

Suggests surpassing limitations or boundaries.

be superior to

Emphasizes a higher rank or quality.

be beyond reproach

Highlights being blameless and beyond criticism.

be immune to

Indicates being unaffected by something negative.

be clear of

Suggests avoiding involvement or suspicion.

be in a higher position

Directly refers to a more elevated status.

outrank

Specifically means to have a higher rank.

be better than

A general comparison indicating higher quality or value.

exceed

Emphasizes surpassing a certain level or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "be above" in a sentence?

You can use "be above" to indicate a superior position, ethical standard, or immunity to something. For example: "The company strives to "be above average" in customer service" or "No one should "be above the law"".

What's the difference between "be above" and "rise above"?

"Be above" generally implies a constant state of superiority or ethical standing, while "rise above" suggests overcoming a specific challenge or negative situation. For example, "He needs to rise above the criticism" means he needs to overcome it.

Which is correct, "be above suspicion" or "be over suspicion"?

"Be above suspicion" is the correct and idiomatic phrase. "Be over suspicion" is not a standard expression.

What can I say instead of "be above and beyond"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "go the extra mile", "exceed expectations", or "surpass all limits".