Put sb above sb Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Put sb above sb” Mean?

The phrasal verb “put sb above sb” means to consider someone more important or to prefer one person over another.

Introduction

The phrase “Put sb above sb” is commonly used in English to express prioritizing one person over another in terms of importance, preference, or value. Understanding the Put sb above sb meaning helps you communicate feelings about relationships, work, or social situations clearly. Whether you want to say you value a friend more than a colleague or a family member over a stranger, this phrase is useful and natural in everyday English. Learning how to use it correctly will improve both your spoken and written communication.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Put somebody above somebody
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: To consider one person more important than another

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Put sb above sb” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object either between the verb and the preposition or after the preposition.

• Put + somebody + above + somebody
• Put + sb + above + sb
• Example: She puts her family above her job.

Note: The phrase always requires two objects: the first is the person who is prioritized, and the second is the person who is less prioritized.

How to Use Put sb above sb?

You use “Put sb above sb” when you want to say that one person is more important or valued more than another. It often relates to emotions, decisions, or priorities.

For example, you might say, “I put my children above everything else,” to show your children are your top priority.

Examples

Here are some natural examples using “Put sb above sb in a sentence”:

• He always puts his health above his work commitments.
• Many people put their family above their friends during difficult times.
• She puts honesty above popularity in all her decisions.
• In this company, management puts customer satisfaction above profits.
• They put their children’s education above their own needs.

Common Mistakes

It’s easy to confuse the order of the objects or forget to include both people. Here are some examples:

• Incorrect: I put above my sister my best friend.
• Correct: I put my best friend above my sister.
• Incorrect: She puts her job above.
• Correct: She puts her job above everything else.

Remember, you need two objects or a clear comparison to use this phrase correctly.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrasal verbs include put sb before sb and value sb over sb. While these are close in meaning, there are slight differences:

• Put sb before sb: Often means to prioritize someone in order or importance, similar to “put above”.
• Value sb over sb: Focuses more on appreciating or respecting one person more than another.

“Put sb above sb” emphasizes placing one person higher in importance or priority.

Common Collocations

People often use “Put sb above sb” with family members, friends, or abstract ideas. Here are some common collocations:

• Put family above friends: Prioritize family over friends.
• Put health above work: Value health more than work.
• Put honesty above popularity: Value truthfulness more than being popular.
• Put children above everything else: Prioritize children over all else.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of put sb above sb:

• Put Sb Forward
• Put Sth Through Sth
• Put Sth Down
• Put Sb Through Sth
• Put Sth By

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation showing “Put sb above sb” in use:

Anna: Do you think you can finish the project this weekend?

Mark: I’d like to, but I always put my family above work on weekends.

Anna: That’s understandable. Family is important.

Practice

Choose the correct sentence that uses “Put sb above sb” correctly:

• A) She puts her friends above her family.
• B) She puts above her family her friends.
• C) She puts her family above her friends.
• D) She puts family above.

FAQ

• Q: Can I use “put sb above sb” in formal writing?
  Yes, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
• Q: Is “put sb above sb” separable?
  Yes, you can separate the objects but keep the order clear.
• Q: What is the difference between “put sb above sb” and “put sb before sb”?
  “Put sb above sb” usually means higher priority, while “put sb before sb” can mean either priority or order.
• Q: Can I use this phrase with things instead of people?
  Yes, for example, “put honesty above money.”
• Q: Is “put sb above sb” common in everyday English?
  It is used frequently when discussing priorities and values.