above

above
Some grammarians object to the use of above in the meaning of "preceding" or "previously mentioned or written" (the examples given above, the above examples). However, above can be an adjective as well as an adverb, so that no grammatical error is involved. The objection to using above in this sense is that the word may refer vaguely or even loosely and incorrectly to preceding material; overuse of it may make you sound legalistic or stilted.
     As a preposition, above presents no usage problems (above the earth). As a noun, above is both vague and informal. Instead of "The above states my position fairly," it is preferable to say "This is my position" or "The preceding statements present my position fairly."

Dictionary of problem words and expressions. . 1975.

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  • Above — A*bove , adv. 1. In a higher place; overhead; into or from heaven; as, the clouds above. [1913 Webster] 2. Earlier in order; higher in the same page; hence, in a foregoing page. That was said above. Dryden. [1913 Webster] 3. Higher in rank or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • above — [ə buv′] adv. [ME above(n) < OE abūfan, onbūfan, overhead, above < on , intens. + bufan < be, BY + ufan, over, on high] 1. in, at, or to a higher place; overhead; up 2. in or to heaven 3. at a previous place (in a piece of writing):… …   English World dictionary

  • Above — A*bove , prep. [OE. above, aboven, abuffe, AS. abufon; an (or on) on + be by + ufan upward; cf. Goth. uf under. [root]199. See {Over}.] 1. In or to a higher place; higher than; on or over the upper surface; over; opposed to {below} or {beneath}.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • above — above, over are synonymous prepositions when they indicate elevation in position. They seldom imply contact between that which is higher and that which is lower; as a rule they allow an interval. Over and above differ in that over usually implies …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • above — 1 adv 1: higher on the same page or on a preceding page the discussion above 2: higher or superior in rank or authority the court above above the line: in calculations that yield adjusted gross income or profit above 2 adj: written o …   Law dictionary

  • above — ► PREPOSITION & ADVERB 1) at a higher level than. 2) in preference to. 3) (in printed text) mentioned earlier. ● above board Cf. ↑above board ● above oneself Cf. ↑ab …   English terms dictionary

  • Above — may refer to:*Relative direction *Above (artist), a graffiti artist *Above (album), an album by Mad Season *Above (Pillar album), an album by Pillar *Above Church, an English church …   Wikipedia

  • Above — Álbum de Mad Season Publicación 1995 Grabación 1994 1995 Género(s) Grunge, Blues D …   Wikipedia Español

  • above — above; above·ground; above·proof; above·board; above·stairs; …   English syllables

  • Above — Album par Mad Season Sortie 15 mars 1995 Enregistrement 1994 aux Bad Animals Studios, Seattle Durée 55:36 Genre Grunge …   Wikipédia en Français

  • above — [prep1] higher in position aloft, atop, beyond, high, on high, on top of, over, overhead, raised, superior, upon; concept 752 Ant. below, under above [prep2] more, higher in amount, degree beyond, exceeding, greater than, larger than, over;… …   New thesaurus

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