set above

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set above" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has been mentioned or established earlier in the text. Example: "The terms and conditions set above must be adhered to by all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To change the settings you set above, simply check or uncheck the options desired.

WikiHow

Royal protocol certainly helps perpetuate the idea of a person set above and apart.

Los Angeles Times

There was a shelf nearby, set above shoulder level.

The New Yorker

Five world auction records were set above $10 million.

The New York Times - Arts

Ahead, Stowes Hill is set above worked moorstone and the quarry face.

The Guardian

Third, the promotion of a living wage set above the poverty line.

The Guardian

The stadium pitch is surrounded by 10 rows of concrete bleachers set above grass berms.

The New York Times - Sports

Government officials stress, however, that it won't be set above the 330p level.

The Guardian - Money

The view is from the town's cemetery, which is set above it, on a hill.

The Guardian - Travel

"But their measures remain too timid, with many quotas still set above the recommended levels.

The Guardian

The entry courtyard, set above the level of the beach, is flanked by the pavilions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set above" to describe relative positions, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean physical placement, hierarchical status, or abstract superiority.

Common error

Avoid using "set above" when a more precise term like "beyond", "exceeding", or "greater than" would more accurately convey your intended meaning, especially in technical or scientific writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set above" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a position, level, or standard that is higher than something else. This is supported by examples in Ludwig, where the phrase is used to describe physical locations, thresholds, and hierarchical positions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

37%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set above" is a prepositional phrase frequently used to indicate a higher position, level, or standard. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and wiki sources. While alternatives like "higher than" and "superior to" exist, "set above" provides a specific nuance of intentional placement or establishment at a higher level. When using this phrase, clarity and context are key to ensuring accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

higher than

A simpler alternative, suitable for both physical and abstract contexts.

positioned higher than

Focuses on physical placement rather than abstract concepts of superiority.

placed over

Emphasizes a direct, often physical, relationship of one thing being on top of another.

on top of

Informal, indicating direct physical placement above something else.

elevated above

Highlights the act of raising something to a higher position or status.

ranking above

Specifically denotes hierarchical position.

superior to

Indicates a higher quality or rank, shifting the focus from physical placement to comparative value.

situated over

Suggests a strategic or intentional placement in a higher position.

located atop

Focuses on geographical location at the highest point of an object.

over

Short and very informal, mostly physical comparison.

FAQs

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

You can use "set above" to describe something physically higher, like "The shelf was set above the desk", or to indicate a higher status, such as "The company's goals were set above profits".

What are some alternatives to "set above"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "higher than", "superior to", or "positioned higher than".

When is it appropriate to use "set above" in formal writing?

"Set above" can be used in formal writing when describing a position, standard, or goal that is higher or more important than something else. Ensure the context is clear and the language remains professional.

What's the difference between "set above" and "above"?

"Set above" implies an action or arrangement that places something in a higher position, while "above" simply indicates a higher position without necessarily implying an action. For example, "the detection threshold was set above the baseline fluorescence levels" explicitly states that the threshold was intentionally placed higher.