Above vs Over

The two prepositions above and over are very similar in meaning, and in some situations you can use them interchangeably. However, there is a small difference between them.

Above refers to a certain position. You use static verbs (e.g. to be) with above.

The house is above the city. ( - the house is standing still on the mountain)
Our office is above the hairdresser's.
He had a bruise just above his left eye.
I heard a strange noise coming from the room above.

Over refers to movement (in time or space). You use dynamic verbs (e.g. to fly) with over.

UFOs flew over China. ( - over the whole of it, to its borders or even beyond it)
A lamp hung over the table.
We watched a helicopter flying low over the harbour.

TEST YOURSELF
1. We lived in the room ... the shop.
2. Somehow the sheep jumped ... the fence.
3. Government troops fired a few shots ... their heads.
4. Curran’s leg was broken ... the right knee.
5. Flocks of geese flew ... , calling loudly.
6. The lamp is ... me.
7. We could see the Angolan flag flying ... the governor’s palace.