What Does “Put sth above sb” Mean?
“Put something above somebody” means to consider something more important than a person. It expresses prioritizing an object, idea, or value over someone else.
Introduction
The phrase Put sth above sb is a common English expression used to show preference or priority. When you “put something above somebody,” you value that thing more than the person. This could be an object, a principle, a job, or any other factor. Understanding the Put sth above sb meaning helps learners express opinions about priorities and choices clearly. It is often used in conversations about relationships, work, or personal values.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Put something above somebody
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Meaning: To consider something more important than someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Put sth above sb” is a transitive phrasal verb with a fixed word order. It is inseparable, meaning you cannot place the object between “put” and “above.”
Correct pattern:
- Put + something + above + somebody
Example: She puts her career above her friends.
How to Use Put sth above sb?
Use “put sth above sb” when talking about your priorities or values. It often appears in discussions about what matters most to someone.
Common subjects include:
- Feelings
- Responsibilities
- Rules or principles
- Objects or goals
It can be used in positive or negative contexts depending on whether the speaker approves or disapproves of the priority.
Examples
Here are some examples of Put sth above sb in a sentence:
- He puts his work above his family, which sometimes causes conflicts.
- Don’t put money above your health.
- She always puts honesty above popularity.
- They put safety above speed during the project.
- Some people put their own interests above others.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the order or use incorrect prepositions. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: She puts above her friends honesty.
- Correct: She puts honesty above her friends.
- Incorrect: I put my job over my family.
- Correct: I put my job above my family.
Remember, the correct preposition is always above, not over in this expression.
Differences / Synonyms
“Put sth above sb” is similar to expressions like “value sth more than sb” or “prioritize sth over sb.” However, “put sth above sb” specifically uses the spatial metaphor of placing one thing higher than another.
Compare:
- Put sth above sb: She puts honesty above popularity.
- Value sth more than sb: She values honesty more than popularity.
- Prioritize sth over sb: She prioritizes honesty over popularity.
The phrasal verb is more informal and common in spoken English.
Common Collocations
People often put certain things above others. Here are common objects paired with “put above”:
- Family: Putting family above work means valuing loved ones more than your job.
- Career: Putting career above friendships shows a focus on professional success.
- Health: Putting health above money emphasizes wellbeing over wealth.
- Principles: Putting principles above popularity means choosing to do what’s right rather than what’s easy.
- Safety: Putting safety above speed means prioritizing caution.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of put sth above sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “put sth above sb”:
Anna: I don’t understand why John always works late.
Ben: He puts his job above his family sometimes.
Anna: That’s tough. Family should come first.
Ben: I agree, but he thinks his career is more important right now.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- A) She puts her friends above her studies.
- B) She puts her studies above her friends.
- C) She puts above her studies her friends.
Answer: B
Fill in the blank:
He always ______ his health ______ money.
Answer: puts / above
FAQ
- Q: Can you separate “put” and “above” in this phrasal verb?
A: No, “put sth above sb” is inseparable. The object must come between “put” and “above.” - Q: Is “put sth above sb” formal or informal?
A: It is commonly used in both spoken and informal writing. - Q: Can “put sth above sb” be used negatively?
A: Yes, it can show disapproval if someone values something more than a person unfairly. - Q: What preposition should I use with “put” in this phrase?
A: Always use “above,” not “over” or other prepositions. - Q: Is this phrasal verb common in British and American English?
A: Yes, it is widely understood and used in both varieties.
