over the window

USAGE SUMMARY

"over the window" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a location in relation to a window, for example: "The curtains hung over the window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The mat was over the window.

The New Yorker

A white curtain hung over the window.

The New Yorker

In the winter we would put boards over the window.

The New York Times

"I was looking at two flies crawling over the window pane".

The Guardian - Books

Over the window is a Venetian-style window valance of painted canvas.

The New York Times

Instead of shades, rolls of paper hang from dowels over the window and are decorated by a few graffitists.

The New York Times

At the precinct house, cardboard was taped over the window Mr. Edwards is believed to have escaped through.

The New York Times

What have you done!" Her voice rose slightly until it shook and sent a sympathetic vibration over the window vines.

The New Yorker

Low-viscosity vinyl polysiloxane impression material is then used over the window opening to capture the surface details of the residual ridge without distorting the displaceable tissues.

The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

Good predictions were also obtained using the window model when changes in particle relative acceleration over the window period were modest.

International Journal of Multiphase Flow

Thanks to the room's good lighting (and handsome drapes over the window), I didn't mind, but some guests might feel claustrophobic.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the placement of decorative items or functional elements like curtains or blinds, use "over the window" to clearly indicate their position relative to the window frame. For example: "Hang the valance "over the window" to add a touch of elegance."

Common error

Avoid using "over the window" when you intend to convey complete obstruction or coverage. Use "covering the window" or "blocking the window" instead if the object fully conceals the window's surface. "Over the window" implies a spatial relationship, not necessarily full coverage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over the window" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the relative position of an object or action in relation to a window. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "over the window" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that effectively communicates the relative position of something in relation to a window. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard expression understood across a variety of contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki sources, and it maintains a neutral register making it suitable for diverse communication needs. When using "over the window", ensure you are accurately conveying spatial relationships and not implying complete coverage if that isn't the case. Alternatives like "above the window" or "covering the window" may be more precise depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

above the window

Indicates a higher vertical position relative to the window.

placed above the window

Similar to 'above the window' but emphasizes the act of placing.

draped over the window

Highlights the action of loosely hanging something over the window.

covering the window

Focuses on the action of concealing or protecting the window.

positioned over the window

Emphasizes the deliberate placement of something over the window.

suspended over the window

Suggests something hanging or floating above the window.

across the window

Suggests a horizontal extension or placement in relation to the window.

extending over the window

Describes something that stretches or reaches over the window.

in front of the window

Emphasizes the position directly facing the window.

upon the window

A more formal way of saying "on the window", indicating a surface contact.

FAQs

How can I use "over the window" in a sentence?

You can use "over the window" to describe something that is positioned above or across a window. For example, "The painter stretched a canvas "over the window" to protect the glass from splatters."

What's a more formal alternative to "over the window"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "above the window" or "positioned over the window" as alternatives to "over the window". They convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is there a difference between "over the window" and "in front of the window"?

"Over the window" generally suggests something is above or across the window's surface, while "in front of the window" indicates that something is positioned facing the window but not necessarily touching it. For instance, a curtain hangs "over the window", while a chair sits "in front of the window".

When should I use "covering the window" instead of "over the window"?

Use "covering the window" when the object completely conceals the window. "Over the window" simply describes a spatial relationship; it doesn't guarantee full coverage. Thus, "covering the window" is more appropriate when discussing blocking light or ensuring privacy.