当我们用above作介词时，它的意思是“高于”。它的意思与介词over相近。在下面的句子中，over可以代替above:
The waves came up above her head and she started screaming. (或 … came up over her head …)
She is a nervous flier. But once the plane got above the clouds, she started to relax. (或 … got over the clouds …)
我们用above，而不是over，指的是处于较高或更高层次的事物:
[a ‘chalet’ is a small wooden building usually found in mountainous areas]
Do they live in that chalet above the village?
Not: Do they live in that chalet over the village?
我们通常用above，而不是over，指的是事物之间没有联系的时候。Over或on top of有更普遍的含义，可用于某物触及或覆盖另一物:
They made her comfortable and put a blanket over her.
Not: They made her comfortable and put a blanket above her.
我们通常用over而不是above来表示数字：
I get over sixty emails a day.
Not: I get above sixty emails a day.
If you weigh over 100 kilograms, then you may need to start a diet.
Not: If you weigh above 100 kilograms
警告:
当我们谈论温度与零度或平均值的关系时，我们使用above而不是over:
It was three degrees above zero.
Not: It was three degrees over zero.
当我们在其他上下文中提到温度时，我们通常可以用above或over:
The temperature is already above 30 degrees. (or … over 30 degrees.)
典型错误
我们不用over来表示“更高层次”
Most of the race is 500 metres above sea level.
Not: Most of the race is 500 metres over sea level.
当一个物体接触或覆盖另一个物体时，我们不使用above.
Pour some cream over the tart and serve it warm.
Not: Pour some cream above the tart
我们不使用above与数字相连
Over 100 people complained about the programme.
Not: Above 100 people complained