Below

'Below' is commonly used to show location. In this lesson, we will uncover all about this word.

'Below' is used as both a preposition and an adverb. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.

Functions of 'Below'

'Below' as a Preposition

One of the main uses of 'below' is to function as a preposition. Below, we will understand all about it:

Use

'Below' as a Preposition of Place

'Below' can be a preposition of place. Look:

When we want to indicate that something/someone is in a lower position or level than another thing. Look:

There was a note below the pocket.

She could not read what was written below the laptop.

When we want to refer to jobs, positions, and ranks less important. Take a look:

She will remain below senior level in this company.

No one below senior level is allowed in the meeting today.

When we want to refer to something in the lower parts of a piece of writing. Look:

Contact the number below for more information.

If you have any of the issues below, just call 911.

'Below' as a Preposition of Manner

'Below' can also be a preposition of manner. Look:

When the amount, level or degree of something is less. Take a look:

The crime rate has fallen below 10% this year.

The temperature will be below zero this week.

Position in a Sentence

Since 'below' is a preposition here, it comes before nouns or noun phrases. There are no limitations as to where we can put the prepositional phrase. Look at the following examples for more clarification:

Just below the surface, I can see a picture.

She is looking at a note below the bag.

'Below' as an Adverb

As mentioned above, we can also use 'below' as an adverb. Below, we are going to learn about the different kinds of adverb it can be:

Use

'Below' as an Adverb of Place

When we want to indicate that something/someone is in a lower position, we use 'below' as an adverb of place:

He jumped from the window on the trampoline below.

Look at the valley below.

Position a Sentence

We mainly put adverbials after verbs, other adverbs, or objects to modify them. However, it is possible to begin a sentence with an adverbial. Look at the following examples:

Below, you can see a beautiful village.

Look at the village below.

Warning!

Please note that whenever we begin a sentence with an adverb, we must have a comma after it.

Idioms with 'below'

We have some idioms with 'below'. Let us see how each is used:

Below par: This one is used when we want to indicate that something is worse than usual. Look:

Not enough sleep can lead to feeling below par.

Suppressing your emotions leads to feeling below par.

Below the belt: This one is used when we want to state that something is unfair or cruel. Look:

His critical comments were a bit below the belt.

Sarah's words were below the belt.

Comments

(0)

Share on :