The word under usually indicates that one thing is “below” something else, but we don’t only use it to refer to physical locations.
You can’t build a house like that for under a million dollars.
Under the new rules, you’ll have to leave your phone outside the exam room.
Your application is presently under review, and we will notify you of our decision soon.
Continue reading: Under | Meaning, Part of Speech & Examples
The word above typically functions as a preposition or an adverb indicating a position or location that is “higher” than something else—physically, numerically, hierarchically, or figuratively.
She looked up at the grey clouds above.
You’re only allowed in if you’re 21 or above.
The position above mine has become vacant, so I’m going to apply for it.
Please see above for more details.
This is because he demands loyalty above all else.
Continue reading: Above | Meaning, Part of Speech & Phrases
The simple past tense of rise is “rose” (e.g., “Food prices rose last year”). The past participle of “rise” is “risen” (e.g., “Food prices have risen substantially recently”).
The verb “rise” can mean “increase,” “move upwards,” “stand up,” and “get out of bed.”
| Simple past tense | Past participle |
|---|---|
| The average income rose by 1% last year. | The average income has risen by 2%. |
| She let go of the string, and the balloon slowly rose into the air. | The next time she looked up, the balloon had almost risen out of sight. |
| She took her bow, and the audience rose to its feet. | Several members of the audience had risen to their feet and were demanding an encore. |
| They rose early, had a quick breakfast, and caught the 7 o’clock train. | She wondered if they should have risen earlier to catch the 7 o’clock train. |
Continue reading: Past Tense of Rise | Examples & Definition
The word since can function as a preposition, adverb, or subordinating conjunction.
| Part of speech | Example in a sentence |
|---|---|
| Preposition | Charlotte has lived in Scranton since 2015. |
| Adverb | Agnes used to live here, but has since moved away. |
| Conjunction | She decided to move to New York since it was easier for her to find work there. |
| Conjunction | Charlotte has lived in Scranton since she graduated. |
Continue reading: Since | Meaning, Examples & Part of Speech
The simple past tense of steal is “stole” (e.g., “Someone stole my bike yesterday”). The past participle of the verb “steal” is “stolen” (e.g., “Someone’s stolen my bike”).
| Simple past tense | Past participle |
|---|---|
| Andy’s mother turned her back, and he stole one of the cookies from the rack. | Who’s stolen one of the cookies? |
| Andy, was it you who stole one of the cookies? | One of the cookies has been stolen. |
Continue reading: Past Tense of Steal | Examples & Meaning
The word about can be a preposition meaning “concerning” or that indicates a topic or subject, as well as an adverb meaning “approximately” or “nearly.”
It’s a film about aliens.
My school has about 1,000 students.
The game’s about over; I’ll be home in an hour.
Continue reading: About | Definition, Meaning & Part of Speech
The simple past tense of fight is “fought” . The past participle of the verb “fight” is also “fought.”
| Simple past tense | Past participle |
|---|---|
| Founded in 1903, the Women’s Social and Political Union fought relentlessly for votes for women. | This will be the first time the boxers have fought each other. |
| They fought the fire with water from the lake and evacuated the residents by boat. | Many of the men who had fought in the war struggled to find work when they returned home. |
Continue reading: Past Tense of Fight | Examples & Meaning
The word by typically functions as a preposition, indicating who or what performs the action in a passive voice sentence, how something is done, and information such as locations, deadlines, and dimensions.
You can contact us by email.
What’s that over there by the blue car?
All applications must be submitted by the end of March.
It’s a standard size dishwasher: 24 by 35 inches.
Continue reading: By | Meaning, Part of Speech & Phrases
The simple past tense of send is “sent” (e.g., “I sent the package last week”). The past participle of the verb “send” is also “sent” (e.g., “I’ve sent the package; it should arrive next week”).
| Simple past tense | Past participle |
|---|---|
| The doctor examined my leg and sent me for an X-ray. | My doctor has sent me here for an X-ray. |
| Our records show that we sent you the bill for your X-ray last month. | I was sent straight here for an X-ray. |
Continue reading: Past Tense of Send | Examples & Meaning
The simple past tense of plead is “pleaded” ( ) or “pled” ( ). The past participle of the verb “plead” is also “pleaded” or “pled.”
The verb “plead” means “ask for something in an emotional way” or “claim something as an excuse.” To “plead guilty” to a crime means to “officially agree in a court that you have committed the crime.”
| Simple past tense | Past participle |
|---|---|
| Andre was ill but pleaded/pled with us to let him go to the birthday party. | He has pleaded/pled with me to let him go. |
| He pleaded/pled innocence, saying that he didn’t even know that I’d baked any cookies. | After he had pleaded/pled his innocence, I found cookie crumbs in his room. |
| The actor pleaded/pled not guilty to all charges in court last week. | How has he pleaded/pled to the charges? |
Continue reading: Past Tense of Plead | Examples & Meaning
