Prepositions of position and movement

1. Across vs. Over

Both "across" and "over" can indicate moving to or being on the other side of something, but their use depends on context:

Across: Used for flat surfaces, areas, or when referring to a position on the other side.

∗Antonio lives in the house across the road from ours.

∗He suddenly saw Eva across the room.

Over: Used when talking about something that is high or higher than it is wide, or when referring to movement from one side to another.

∗He jumped over the fence into the garden.

∗Once she was over the border, she knew she would be safe.

When describing something flat or an area, "across" is generally preferred, while "over" often implies movement over a high or higher area.

Examples:

∗The programme was broadcast across Canada.

∗The disease has now spread all over the world. (or … (right) across the world.)

2. Along vs. Through

These prepositions are used to describe different types of movement:

Along: Indicates movement following a line or surface.

∗They walked along the footpath until they came to a small bridge.

Through: Emphasizes movement within a three-dimensional space, suggesting movement from one side to the other.

∗He pushed his way through the crowd of people to get to her.

∗She walked through the forest to get to her grandmother’s house.

"Through" often suggests movement from one end or side to another, whereas "along" describes movement on a linear or flat surface.

3. Above vs. Over; Below vs. Under; Beneath vs. Underneath

These pairs of prepositions describe vertical relationships and cover different nuances:

Above and Over: Both indicate that one thing is at a higher level than another.

∗Above the door was a sign saying, ‘Mind your head’.

∗The bird hovered just a few metres above the lake.

Use over when something covers or touches another thing, or for horizontal movement at a higher level.

∗She put a quilt over the bed.

∗I saw the helicopter fly out over the water, near the fishing boat.

Below and Under:

"Below" indicates a lower level without direct contact, while "under" implies direct contact or covering.

∗It’s hard to believe that there is a railway line below the building.

∗She hid the presents under a blanket.

Use underneath as an alternative to "under," and beneath as a more formal alternative to "under" or "below."

∗Zara ran under the bridge. (indicating horizontal movement at a lower level)

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

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