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
what's above
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
23 human-written examples
Geologist Paul Wignall of the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom thinks it's what's above volcanoes that makes all the difference.
Science & Research
So what's below the surface is actually what is the music, what's above is just the sound.
News & Media
If you do — against the advice of any attorney who passed the bar with a score of 120 or higher — decide to use the above information for personal gain, in all fairness I ought to let you know that there's a better than average chance that what's above is a pack of lies.
News & Media
"Unfortunately, what lies beneath is as dangerous as what's above".
News & Media
Look at what's above and around you – clock how normal it is.
News & Media
Rockefeller Center might be proof that if what's above ground is appealing enough, a concourse isn't going to hurt it".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
37 human-written examples
"Despite what's happening above, there's not going to be any urgency other than when he feels right, when he looks right, when his endurance is right and he's got his pitch count where it needs to be and all his pitches working consistently," Cashman said.
News & Media
I'm just trying to make sense of what's left above ground".
News & Media
United States Court of Appeals FRIDAY Nov. 24 MONDAY Nov. 27 HEARING POSTPONED Bush campaign requests delay pending Supreme Court hearing WEDNESDAY Dec. 6 HEARING SCHEDULED WHAT'S AT STAKE However the Supreme Court rules in above case, the Bush campaign can still challenge the legality of any hand recounts.
News & Media
The French director Claire Denis's "N tte et Boni" makes its DVD bow on June 16, and so does Woody Allen's sublimely silly "What's Up, Tiger Lily?" (above).
News & Media
The French director Claire Denis's "Nénette et Boni" makes its DVD bow on June 16, and so does Woody Allen's sublimely silly "What's Up, Tiger Lily?" (above).
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "what's above", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to physical position, importance, or another abstract concept. For example, "what's above" could refer to the sky, but it could also refer to a higher rank in an organization.
Common error
Avoid using "what's above" without clear context, as it can lead to ambiguity. Instead of saying "consider what's above", specify what exactly is being considered, such as "consider the sky above" or "consider the principles above personal gain".
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "what's above" functions as a prepositional phrase that refers to something in a higher position, rank, or of greater importance. It serves to direct attention to an element that is located higher up or considered more significant. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and can be used in both literal and abstract contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
58%
Science
13%
Lifestyle
8%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Wiki
3%
Arts
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "what's above" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that directs attention to a higher position or greater importance. As Ludwig's analysis reveals, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, media, and lifestyle contexts. While versatile, it's essential to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "what is overhead" and "what lies above", offering similar but nuanced meanings. Ultimately, understanding the context is critical for effectively using "what's above".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
what is overhead
Replaces "above" with "overhead", emphasizing a position directly over something.
what lies above
Focuses on what is situated at a higher level or position.
what is on top
Emphasizes the physical location of something being on the upper surface.
what's higher up
Uses "higher up" to indicate a greater vertical position.
what is superior
Shifts the meaning towards importance or quality rather than physical location.
what's on the upper level
Specifies a location on an upper story or plane.
what is in the sky
Specifically refers to things located in the sky.
what's in the heavens
Implies a more poetic or spiritual context, referring to the sky or celestial sphere.
what is more important
Focuses on relative importance rather than physical position.
what is paramount
Highlights the most crucial or significant aspect.
FAQs
How can I use "what's above" in a sentence?
You can use "what's above" to refer to something physically higher, as in, "Look at "what's above" before diving into the water". Alternatively, it can denote something of greater importance, such as, "Consider "what's above" personal desires when making decisions".
What are some alternatives to "what's above"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "what's overhead", "what lies above", or "what's on top" to refer to physical position. For importance, consider "what's superior" or "what's paramount".
Is "what's above" formal or informal?
"What's above" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional settings.
What's the difference between "what's above" and "what's below"?
"What's above" refers to something in a higher position or of greater importance, while "what's below" refers to something in a lower position or of lesser importance. For example, "What's above the surface is just the sound, what's below is the music."
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
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested