is not above

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is not above' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that one thing is not more important or of a higher status than something else. For example, "He is not above helping others in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Reggio is not above optimism.

The New York Times

"Sex and the Citadel" is not above cheap tricks.

The New York Times - Books

And to instill them, he is not above, well, screening a movie for his flock.

The New York Times

She is not above singing in restaurants where the silverware clatters and diners chatter.

The New York Times

The main attraction at Vimy, however, is not above ground.

Forbes

And he is not above embarrassing impostors.

The New York Times

Still, he is not above pandering.

The New York Times - Arts

And the army is not above extortion.

The Economist

Baseball is not above such sentiment.

The New York Times - Sports

He is not above rough tactics.

The New York Times

He is not above stalking a house.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not above" to subtly imply a willingness to do something that might be considered unethical, surprising, or out of character. It adds a layer of nuance beyond simple willingness.

Common error

While "is not above" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound accusatory or cynical. Opt for more neutral language when conveying mere possibility or capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not above" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a subject is willing to do something, often something that might be considered questionable or surprising. As Ludwig confirms, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not above" is a versatile phrase used to express that someone is willing to do something, even if it might be perceived as questionable or surprising. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, and the phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts. The expert rating emphasizes its consistent and authoritative usage. When using the phrase, it's crucial to consider the subtle implications of willingness and potential ethical compromise. Remember to adjust your phrasing in more formal contexts to avoid sounding overly cynical or accusatory. While the phrase is common, there are many alternative phrases that can be used such as "wouldn't hesitate to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not beneath

Implies that an action is not considered too demeaning or undignified.

wouldn't hesitate to

Indicates a lack of reluctance to perform an action.

is willing to

Suggests a readiness or consent to do something, possibly unexpected.

is prepared to

Highlights readiness and willingness to undertake a specific action.

is capable of

Highlights the ability to perform an action, implying potential involvement.

wouldn't rule out

Indicates a possibility that something could happen, suggesting an open mind.

stoops to

Indicates a descent to a lower standard of behavior.

is known to

Indicates a habitual action, suggesting it is not out of character.

is liable to

Suggests a probability or tendency to do something.

is apt to

Expresses a natural tendency or inclination towards a certain behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "is not above" in a sentence?

Use "is not above" to suggest someone is willing to do something that might be surprising or questionable, such as "He "is not above" using underhanded tactics to win."

What does "is not above" mean?

It means someone is willing to do something, even if it's considered morally questionable or surprising for them to do. It implies a lack of scruples or hesitation.

Which is correct, "is not above" or "is not over"?

"Is not above" is used to indicate a willingness to do something, whereas "is not over" means something has not ended. They have different meanings and usages.

What are some alternatives to "is not above"?

You can use alternatives like "wouldn't hesitate to", "is willing to", or "is capable of" depending on the specific context.