Position & Space (above, under, between, next to...)

Intermediate · Prepositions

These prepositions describe exactly where something is in relation to something else. Many come in pairs or near-synonyms that learners confuse: above/over, under/below, between/among, next to/beside.

Picture the scene as you learn each one — spatial prepositions are much easier to remember visually than as a word list.

How to build it

above / over · below / under / beneath · in front of / behind · between / among · next to / beside · opposite · against · near

Rules & examples

  1. "above" / "over" = higher than; "over" can also mean covering or crossing.

    Often interchangeable for "higher", but "over" suggests movement or direct covering.

    • The lamp is above the table.
    • A plane flew over the city.
    • She put a blanket over the baby.
  2. "under" / "below" / "beneath" = lower than.

    "under" often means directly below or covered by.

    • The cat is under the table.
    • Sign below the line.
    • beneath the surface
  3. "between" (two things) vs "among" (three or more).

    between = clearly separate items; among = part of a group/mass.

    • between you and me
    • between the two houses
    • among the trees
    • among friends
  4. "next to / beside / by" = at the side of; "near" = close to (not touching).

    next to and beside are the same; "by" also means beside.

    • Sit next to me.
    • the lamp beside the bed
    • a house by the river
    • near the station
  5. "in front of" / "behind" and "opposite" / "against".

    opposite = facing across from; against = touching/leaning.

    • in front of the house
    • behind the door
    • opposite the bank
    • a ladder against the wall

Tips to remember

  • between = 2 (or clearly separate items); among = 3+ seen as a group. "Between the four of us" is fine when they are separate individuals.
  • "in front of" is the opposite of "behind"; do not confuse it with "opposite" (= facing across from).

Common mistakes

  • ✗ Share the cake between the five children. → ✓ Share the cake among the five children. — For a group of three or more, use "among".
  • ✗ I sat in front of my friend at the cinema (meaning beside). → ✓ I sat next to my friend. — "in front of" = ahead of; "next to" = at the side.