is above

USAGE SUMMARY

"is above" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is located higher than something else, either physically or metaphorically. For example, "My ability to think critically is above average."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Someone who is above suspicion".

The New York Times

It is above good".

The New York Times

"⇑ bit" is "above the bit".

The New Yorker

Live video is above.

TechCrunch

This is above and beyond stimulus.

Forbes

The video is above.

Huffington Post

"This is above and beyond," Habeck said.

Los Angeles Times

God is above and in all science.

WikiHow

Unemployment is above 25%.

The Economist

No one is above clarity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Voter registration is above-average.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating the location of something on a webpage or document, use "is above" to clearly direct the reader's attention to a higher position. For example, "The necessary information is above."

Common error

Avoid using "is above" when a more precise term like "exceeds" or "surpasses" would better convey the intended meaning in abstract or comparative contexts. For instance, instead of "His performance is above average", consider "His performance exceeds the average."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is above" functions primarily as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating a relative position, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use to describe physical location (e.g., "The video is above") and abstract concepts (e.g., "Nobody is above the law"). Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is above" serves to denote a higher position, rank, or quantity, applicable in both physical and metaphorical contexts. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives like "exceeds" or "surpasses" for nuanced comparisons. As demonstrated by Ludwig, "is above" appears most frequently in news and media, with neutral formality, serving to establish hierarchical relationships or indicate relative positioning. Remember to ensure clarity when using "is above", and to direct your reader effectively when referring to content placement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is higher than

This alternative directly replaces 'above' with 'higher than', maintaining the physical or metaphorical sense of being at a greater altitude or level.

is on top of

This emphasizes physical placement directly on the upper surface of something, with a slightly more informal tone.

is over

This suggests a position directly on top, similar to "is above" in a physical context, but can also imply completion or termination.

is greater than

This alternative is suited for numerical or quantitative comparisons, indicating a larger value or amount.

is superior to

This phrase implies a higher quality, rank, or status compared to something else, shifting the context from physical position to comparative value.

surpasses

This implies exceeding in performance or quality, with a focus on achievement rather than mere position.

exceeds

This alternative focuses on surpassing a certain limit or quantity, differing from a simple positional relationship.

outranks

This alternative specifically indicates a higher rank or position in a hierarchy, limiting its application to contexts involving authority or status.

is beyond

This indicates something that is out of reach or surpasses a certain boundary, introducing a sense of limitation or transcendence.

rises above

This suggests overcoming a challenge or obstacle, adding a sense of achievement and resilience not present in the original phrase.

FAQs

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

You can use "is above" to indicate a higher position, rank, or quantity. For example, "The video is above", "His score "is above average"", or "The manager "is above suspicion"".

What's the difference between "is above" and "is over"?

"Is above" generally indicates a higher position without necessarily implying direct contact, while "is over" often suggests being directly on top of or covering something. For example, "The shelf is above the desk" versus "The blanket "is over the bed"".

Which is correct, "is above" or "is over" when referring to temperature?

When referring to temperature, "is above" is typically more appropriate. For example, "The temperature "is above freezing"". "Is over" is less common in this context.

What can I say instead of "is above" when describing something of higher quality?

When describing something of higher quality, you can use alternatives like "is superior to", "is better than", or "exceeds" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.