What Is Their Main Difference?

The main difference between 'on' and 'over' in their what they show. 'On' is used when there is any type of contact while, 'over' is used when something is on top but there is no contact.

On

We use 'on' when there is 'something is at a higher level and in physical contact with another object.' 'On' is used any time there is contact between two objects. Have a look:

Example

The jar was left on the table.

She prefers sitting on the ground.

Over

'Over' is used when we want to show that something is at a direct vertical position from another object. It is used only when there is no contact between two objects and they are only on top of each other with a distance. For example:

Example

He held the umbrella over my head.

The sign over the door said 'do not enter.'

Above

'Above' is another preposition like 'on' and 'over.' 'Above' and 'over' are commonly misused as they are very close in what they show. 'Over' shows that something is directly in an elevated position than another object and there is no contact. 'Above' also shows that something is located in a vertical position than another object. The difference is that it is not direct and it is in an extended space.

Example

The plane is flying above us.

Here, we know the plane is in the sky but it is not directly on a higher level than us.

The plane is flying over us.

Here, the plane is directly at a higher location than us.

Comments

(3)
Loading Recaptcha...
Fousseini Coulibaly
Feb 2024
I have learned about the use of "above, over, and on" I Know how to use them now correctly.
Reply
Loading Recaptcha...
Kunal Mahagade
Sep 2023
Wow 👌 👏 it was great In very easy language u have mentioned my confusion
Reply
Loading Recaptcha...
Aug 2023
I helped a lot.💐
Reply
Loading Recaptcha...
Share on :
Share on :
books
Learn English VocabularyStart learning categorized English vocabulary on Langeek.
Click to start

Recommended

On vs. In

bookmark
'On' and 'in' are both prepositions that show time which is why they are confused by learners. In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.

On vs. Onto

bookmark
Have you ever been confused about which of the prepositions 'on' and 'onto' you should use? Learn more in this lesson.

On vs. Upon

bookmark
'On' and 'upon' are said to be equivalents and can be interchanged. In this lesson, we will learn when to use each of them.

On, In, or At The Beach

bookmark
You enjoyed some time near the sea and the beach, and now you are uncertain if it is 'on the beach,' 'in the beach,' or 'at the beach?'

On or At The Weekend

bookmark
The final days of every week that are off days are called the weekend. But how do we refer to it? Is it 'on the weekend' or 'at the weekend?'

On or In The Train

bookmark
Are you confused if you are 'on the train' or 'in the train'? Check out this lesson to learn which one you should use?
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app