below the glass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "below the glass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is situated underneath or lower than a glass object or surface. Example: "The water level is below the glass, indicating that the container is not full."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

spectroscopy both above and below the glass transition temperature Tg.

Polymer

Below the glass counter at his waist were trays of more plump samosas.

The New Yorker

Small pieces of paper with dots underneath are traced by the camera below the glass.

MIT Technology Review

Samples submitted to a 50% elongation and cooled below the glass transition showed shape memory behavior.

Carbohydrate Polymers

Then look at the spinning top from below the glass table - it will appear to spin counter-clockwise now.

Cornell University

The cooperative conformational transitions exhibit even below the glass transition temperature of cis-1,4-polybutadiene.

Polymer

The measurements below the glass transition temperature exhibit two secondary relaxations.

Polymer

Hence, the nematic polyesters solidify below the glass transition temperature into a glassy solid without crystallization.

Polymer

Doping is ineffective below the glass transition temperature of the polymer.

Polymer

An annealing process below the glass transition temperatures can make the separated phases readily visible.

Polymer

Below the glass transition temperature, transitions are heterogeneously distributed within the system.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical placement, ensure the context clarifies what is being positioned "below the glass". Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "below the glass" metaphorically without establishing a clear connection to a physical glass object or boundary. Figurative language relies on understood relationships. If you're alluding to figurative concepts, make sure the meaning is clearly implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below the glass" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate spatial location or a condition relative to a glass surface or object. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing physical locations and scientific parameters.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "below the glass" is a versatile prepositional phrase primarily used to indicate the position of something situated underneath a glass object or to describe conditions relative to it. According to Ludwig, it’s grammatically sound and commonly appears in scientific and news contexts. It's crucial to ensure the context clarifies what is being positioned to prevent ambiguity. When used metaphorically or in technical fields like material science (referring to the glass transition temperature), ensure the connection to the glass is clear and relevant. While "below the glass" maintains correctness, understanding its diverse applications—from spatial description to technical specification—is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the glass

Synonymous, differing only in preposition choice.

beneath the glass

Formal synonym, differing slightly in tone.

lower than the glass

More explicit spatial description.

underneath the glass

More emphatic synonym of "under".

at the base of the glass

Focuses on the lowest part of the glass.

down from the glass

Indicates a direction from the glass surface.

in the shadow of the glass

Metaphorical, indicates a position where light is blocked by the glass.

at a lower level than the glass

Highly descriptive and less concise.

protected by the glass

Implies the glass provides a shield or barrier.

on the underside of the glass

Specifically refers to the surface facing down.

FAQs

How can I use "below the glass" in a sentence?

You can use "below the glass" to describe the position of something physically under a glass object, as in "The display case has a hidden compartment below the glass." Alternatively, in a scientific context, it can refer to temperatures "below the glass transition temperature".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "below the glass"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "under the glass", "beneath the glass", or "lower than the glass".

Is it correct to say "under the glass" instead of "below the glass"?

Yes, "under the glass" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "below the glass" in most contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

When is "below the glass" used in a scientific context?

In materials science, "below the glass" often refers to temperatures "below the glass transition temperature" (Tg), a critical point where amorphous solids transition from a rubbery to a glassy state.