Below vs Under: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Below" indicates a lower level, while "under" refers to being directly beneath or underneath a boundary.
Memory Tip: below = lower level, under = directly beneath
below has long /oʊ/, under short /ʌ/
below /bɪˈloʊ/
prepositionIn a lower place or position than something else.
Example:
The temperature today is below freezing, so make sure to wear a warm coat.
Common patterns:
below the table
below the picture
under /ˈʌndər/
prepositionIn a position below or covered by something.
Example:
The cat is hiding under the table because it is scared of the thunder.
Common patterns:
under the bed
under the chair
Common Mistakes
The cat is below the table.
The cat is under the table.
The cat is directly beneath the table, so 'under' is the correct word.
The temperature is under freezing point.
The temperature is below freezing point.
The temperature is at a lower level than the freezing point, so 'below' is appropriate.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. The temperature today is ____ freezing, so make sure to wear a warm coat.
2. The cat is hiding ____ the table because it is scared of the thunder.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse below / under again
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