Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
lower from above
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "lower from above" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being moved downwards from a higher position or location. Example: "To adjust the lighting, you need to lower the fixture from above."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
This piece weighs 1,270 metric tons and was lowered from above ground to the bottom of the tunnel, 90 meters below, with mere centimeters of clearance.
News & Media
Kirk and Saliga and then Chen et al. introduced lower semicontinuity from above, a generalization of sequential lower semicontinuity, and they showed that well-known results, such as Ekeland's variational principle and Caristi's fixed point theorem, remain still true under lower semicontinuity from above.
Since ϕ is lower semicontinuous from above, ϕ ( x ) ⪯ lim n → ∞ ϕ ( x n ).
Suppose that T : X → N X X ) is a multivalued mapping and ϕ : X → E is lower semicontinuous from above and bounded from below.
Let η ( s ) = s for all s ∈ P. We define a multivalued mapping T : X → N X X ) by T f = { g ∈ X : − 2 f ( x ) ≤ g ( x ) ≤ 1 2 f ( x ) if f ( x ) ≥ 0 and 1 2 f ( x ) ≤ g ( x ) ≤ − 2 f ( x ) if f ( x ) < 0 }. and we define a mapping ϕ : X → P by ϕ ( f ) = ( ∥ f ∥ ∞, ∥ f ∥ p ). Then ϕ is lower semicontinuous from above and bounded from below.
Remark 1 It is well known that a lower semi-continuous function is a lower semi-continuous from above function, but the converse is not true and a lower semi-continuous from above and convex function with the coercive condition in a reflexive Banach space attains its minimum (see [37]).
Also, it is well known that, for a convex function in a reflexive Banach space, lower semi-continuity in the strong topology is equivalent to lower semi-continuity in the weak topology, but this is not true for lower semi-continuity from above (see [38]).
For more on lower semi-continuous from above functions with its generalizations and applications in nonconvex equilibrium problems, variational problems and fixed point problems, see [38 50] and [51].
By the assumption, since ϕ is sequentially lower semi-continuous from above, we have ϕ ( x 0 ) ≤ lim n → ∞ ϕ ( x n ) and so it follows that ϕ ( x 0 ) = inf y ∈ D ϕ ( y ).
A suitably sized grave had been dug, with a sloping approach to avoid the need to lower the coffin from above, but on 23 June, it nonetheless took almost half an hour for twenty men to pull Lambert's enormous coffin into the grave.
Wiki
Parcels are lowered from above to recipients.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "lower from above" when you want to emphasize both the action of lowering and the starting point being a higher position. This phrasing can be useful in descriptive writing or technical contexts.
Common error
Avoid using "lower from above" when a simpler word like "descend" or "drop" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when the "from above" aspect is contextually relevant and adds meaningful information.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "lower from above" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the direction or origin of the action, indicating that something is being moved downwards from an elevated position. Ludwig shows examples in varied contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Wiki
13%
Less common in
Academia
10%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "lower from above" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase that adds spatial clarity to the action of lowering. Ludwig's analysis confirms that this phrase is most commonly found in news, media and science. While perfectly valid, it is generally considered a phrase of neutral register that should be used when the origin point is relevant; otherwise, simpler alternatives may suffice. Key considerations when using this phrase include understanding its purpose in adding spatial context, avoiding overuse, and recognizing that using similar alternatives depends on the details of intent.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
let down from above
Emphasizes the act of releasing or allowing something to descend from a higher position.
descend from above
Implies a downward movement from a higher point, similar to "lower from above" but often suggests a continuous motion.
drop from a height
Focuses on the action of dropping, emphasizing the vertical distance involved.
bring down from a higher place
Highlights the act of bringing something downwards from an elevated location, more descriptive.
suspend and lower
This alternative emphasizes the suspending before the lowering happens, indicating more details about the actions.
winch down from above
Suggests the controlled descent by a winch or similar mechanical device, adding a specification about the method.
deliver from overhead
Implies that the act of lowering from above is related with a delivering.
crane down from a height
It explicitly mentions use of crane to describe the action of lowering from a height.
rappel from above
Involves controlled descent using a rope, specifically employing rappelling techniques.
lower from a suspended position
Highlights that before the lowering action starts, the entity was suspended.
FAQs
How can I use "lower from above" in a sentence?
You can use "lower from above" to describe the action of bringing something down from a higher position. For example: "The stage crew had to lower the chandelier from above after the performance."
What are some alternatives to "lower from above"?
Alternatives include "descend from above", "drop from a height", or "bring down from a higher place". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
When is it appropriate to use "lower from above" rather than just "lower"?
Use "lower from above" when the fact that the action originates from a higher position is important to the context. If the origin is irrelevant, simply using "lower" is sufficient.
Is "lower from above" considered formal or informal language?
The phrase "lower from above" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in descriptive or technical writing.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested