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under ~ below ~ beneath

[different pronunciation]

These three words in this set basically give us almost the same meaning — in or to a lower position or level than something — however, there are some delicate differences when these words are used in certain situations, and so, let’s take a quick look at them:

“Under”, as a preposition, is ‘in, to or through a position that is lower than something; less than a particular number, amount, one’s age or the price of something; (of a discussion, consideration, review, attack, pressure, control, etc.) being done or going on; according to a particular section of law, agreement; {used to say in which part or section of a list, book, entry or system some particular     information may be found}’; as an adverb, it is used in the same sense as “below”; and as an adjective (used only before nouns), it is ‘lower’,

(a ship passing under a bridge)

e.g.

He hid the gun under his bed.

She can stay under water for five minutes.

Several new houses are under construction in our locality.

We’ve been under a lot of stress from work lately.

This dictionary has the most number of entries under the letter ‘s’.

All the accused in the vandalism case are children aged ten or under.    [under = adverb]

The under surface of a leaf is not as smooth as the top. [under = adjective; surface = noun]

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“Below” (adverb & preposition) is ‘on a lower or in a lower position; (of something or someone) covered by something but not necessarily touching; (of a job or rank in a service) less important’,

(plant roots growing below the surface of the land)

e.g.

Moles live their entire lives in burrows below ground.

A teacher is below a headmaster.

To order now, please click the icon below.

The ice below the fresh snow is hard.

The temperature today is below 10º C.

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“Beneath” (also ‘underneath’ – adverb & preposition – formal) is ‘in or to a lower position; directly under something; covered by something’,

(Much of the iceberg is hidden beneath the sea surface; only the tip is shown above the water level.)

e.g.

Most sea fish are blue on top and white beneath.

He took out a small knife from beneath a bundle of clothes.

Common Errors:

1.

We walked below the bridge.   [wrong]

We walked under the bridge.   [right]

2.

Their office is under ours in this same block.  [wrong]

Their office is below ours in this same block.  [right]

3.

He was completely beneath her control.  [wrong]

He was completely under her control.     [right]

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