Below or below: when to use each one?
This is one of the main spelling mistakes made by Portuguese speakers. In addition to the same pronunciation and the similarity between the spelling of these two words, their meanings are not completely different either. This results in greater difficulty in understanding when deciding which is the right form for each situation.
See too:
Index
To clarify once and for all the difference between these two expressions, let's introduce their main meanings and applications.
the word below, written together, is an adverb of place. This type of adverb is used to point to a location, answering the question “where?”. In addition to below, this group is made up of expressions such as here, there, behind, above, near, in front, among others.
Speaking of location, the adverb below indicates something that is in an inferior position or in a situation of minor importance. Among its synonyms, they stand out inferiorly, below, below and below.
Still, this word can be used in situations that involve interjections, such as protests and claims. In these cases, only the intonation of the adverb is different.
Check out the examples of the use of the adverb "below":
Tip: often the adverb below is accompanied by the verb “follow”. For example:
Below is the list of those invited.
The expression “above”, written separately, is used as the opposite of “from above” or “from above”. Formed by the preposition “a” and the adjective “low”, it establishes a perspective relationship. Its main synonyms are the expressions “from below” and “downwards”.
Check out the examples:
Synonymous with the aforementioned expressions, these words also have a different spelling and similar meanings. Therefore, they are also the target of a lot of confusion at the time of writing.
The expression “from below” is an adjective that qualifies the noun of the sentence. For example: The conversation was low-level. As for “underneath”, it is, like below, an adverb of place. It indicated something that is located in a lower position than another object. This expression is usually accompanied by the preposition “of”, forming an adverbial phrase: underneath. For example: My bag was under the bed.
A good tip to differentiate the two expressions cited is that generally “under” can be replaced in the sentence by the word “under”. This substitution can help to use the correct written form.
Down or down? Still in doubt? Check out the following video:
Also check: What is the character plural?
Subscribe to our email list and receive interesting information and updates in your email inbox
Thanks for signing up.
