The Correct Use of the Above, Above All, and Above-Mentioned
When it comes to using the word “above”, it is crucial to understand its various meanings and how they can be applied in different contexts. One common usage of “above” is to indicate a physical position or location that is higher than something else. For example, you might say, “The painting hangs above the fireplace” or “The bird is flying above the trees”. In these cases, “above” is used to describe something that is positioned at a higher level or elevation.
However, “above” can also be used in a more abstract sense to indicate something that is of a higher rank or importance. For instance, you might say, “The needs of the many should always be placed above the needs of the few” or “The well-being of the employees is above all else for this company”. In these examples, “above” is used to convey a sense of priority or significance.
Now, let’s move on to the phrase “above all”. This expression is often used to emphasize the importance of a particular point or idea. For instance, you might say, “Above all, we must remember to treat others with kindness and respect” or “Above all, honesty is the key to maintaining a healthy relationship”. In these cases, “above all” is used to highlight the most essential aspect or principle that should be given the utmost consideration.
Lastly, we have the term “above-mentioned”. This phrase is used to refer back to something that has been previously mentioned or discussed. For example, you might write, “In the above-mentioned article, the author discusses the impact of climate change on coastal communities” or “Please refer to the above-mentioned email for further details”. By using “above-mentioned”, you are indicating that the information or subject matter has already been introduced and can be found in a previous part of the text.
In conclusion, the correct use of words such as “above”, “above all”, and “above-mentioned” is essential for effective communication in the English language. By understanding their different meanings and contexts, you can ensure that your message is clear and easily understood by your audience.
Assess Your Understanding
English can be a tricky language, especially when it comes to the correct usage of certain words and phrases. In this quiz, we will focus on the proper use of the words “above”, “above all”, and “above-mentioned”. Test your knowledge and see how well you fare!
Test: “above”, “above all” and “above-mentioned”
Above: Referring to Something Mentioned Earlier
The word “above” is commonly used in formal writing to refer to something that has been mentioned earlier. It is important to note that when using “above” in this context, it should not be used with numbers unless referring to points on a scale. For example:
- Over thirty people asked him for his autograph – correct.
- above thirty people asked him for his autograph – incorrect.
Instead of using “above” as a loose reference to something mentioned earlier, it is better to make the reference more precise by using the noun that was mentioned or “the noun above”.
For example:
- The instructions provided above (referring to the instructions mentioned earlier).
- Please refer to the diagram above (referring to the diagram that was mentioned earlier).
By using the specific noun or “the noun above”, you provide clarity and ensure that the reference is clear to the reader.
When using “above” in this manner, it is essential to ensure that the reader can easily identify what is being referred to. This can be achieved by providing clear and concise descriptions or labels. For instance, instead of simply stating “refer to the diagram above,” it would be more helpful to say “refer to the labeled diagram above,” or “refer to the diagram above, labeled as Figure 1.” Another example:
- Taking all the above into account, it was decided to finish the project – unclear.
- Taking all the above matters into account, it was decided to finish the project – clear.
Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain consistency when using “above” as a reference point. If you have multiple diagrams or instructions mentioned throughout your writing, it is advisable to number or label them accordingly. This way, when you refer to a specific diagram or set of instructions, you can use the corresponding number or label to ensure clarity.
In addition to using “above” as a reference point, it is also important to provide enough context for the reader to understand the connection between the current point and the one mentioned earlier. This can be achieved by briefly summarizing the previous point or by using transition words such as “as mentioned earlier” or “as discussed previously.”
Overall, using “above” to refer to something mentioned earlier can be a useful technique in formal writing. However, it is crucial to use it with care and precision to avoid confusion. By providing clear labels, maintaining consistency, and offering sufficient context, you can ensure that your references are clear and easily understood by your readers.
Above All: Meaning “Most Importantly”
The phrase “above all” is used to convey the idea of “most importantly”. It is important to note that “above all” should not be confused with “especially”. “Above all” is used to emphasize the most important point or aspect, while “especially” is used to single out a particular thing or person.
For example:
- Above all, it is crucial to prioritize safety in any workplace.
- When it comes to choosing a career, above all, follow your passion.
- he likes sports, above all football – incorrect.
- he likes sports, especially football – correct.
In these examples, “above all” is used to highlight the most important consideration or priority.
When using a superlative form such as “the most important”, it is more appropriate to use “by far” instead of “above all”.
For example:
- This is by far the most important decision of your life – correct.
- This is above all the most important decision of your life – incorrect.
- By far, the most significant factor in their success is their dedication – correct.
- Above all, the most significant factor in their success is their dedication – incorrect.
Using “by far” in these sentences conveys the idea that the importance or significance is greater than anything else.
Additionally, when you want to express the idea of “more than anywhere/anything/anyone else”, it is more suitable to use “most of all” or “the most” instead of “above all”.
For example:
- She loves her family most of all – correct.
- She loves her family above all – incorrect.
- The athlete values teamwork the most – correct.
- The athlete values teamwork above all – incorrect.
In these examples, “most of all” and “the most” are used to convey a sense of priority or preference above anything or anyone else.
However, it is important to be mindful of the context in which “above all” is used. In some cases, it can be appropriate to use “above all” to emphasize the importance of a specific point or aspect, even when comparing it to other factors or considerations.
For instance, in a discussion about the qualities of a good leader, one might say:
“Above all, a good leader must have integrity.”
In this context, “above all” is used to emphasize that integrity is the most important quality for a leader, even when considering other factors such as communication skills or decision-making abilities.
Similarly, in a conversation about the key factors for a successful business, one might say:
“Above all, a successful business must have a strong customer base.”
Here, “above all” is used to highlight the significance of having a solid customer base as the most important factor for business success, even when considering other factors such as marketing strategies or financial management.
Therefore, while “above all” is commonly used to mean “most importantly,” it is essential to consider the specific context in which it is used to ensure that it accurately conveys the intended emphasis or priority.
Above-Mentioned: Used Before the Noun
The term “above-mentioned” is used to refer to something that has been mentioned earlier in a text. It is important to note that “above-mentioned” comes before the noun it is referring to.
For example:
- Please refer to the above-mentioned instructions.
- The above-mentioned study provides valuable insights into the topic.
- In the previous section, we discussed various methods of data collection. In this section, we will delve deeper into the above-mentioned qualitative research techniques.
- In the preceding paragraph, we highlighted the importance of customer satisfaction. In the subsequent paragraphs, we will explore the above-mentioned strategies for improving customer experience.
By using “above-mentioned” before the noun, you indicate that the noun has been mentioned earlier and provide clarity for the reader. This helps in avoiding repetition and makes the text more concise and organized.
Furthermore, the use of “above-mentioned” adds a professional tone to the writing. It shows that the author is knowledgeable about the subject matter and has already provided relevant information.
It is worth noting that “above-mentioned” is not the only phrase that can be used to refer to something previously mentioned. Other similar phrases include “aforementioned,” “aforesaid,” and “aforenamed.” These terms can be used interchangeably depending on the writer’s preference and the context of the text.
In conclusion, the term “above-mentioned” is a useful tool for referencing previously mentioned information in a text. Its placement before the noun it refers to helps maintain clarity and organization. By using this term, writers can create more concise and professional texts, while also avoiding unnecessary repetition.