1. The fluorescent lamp is over the desk.
2. An ant is beneath the table.
3. The cat is under the table.
4. A book is on the table.
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Does #1 mean that the fluorescent lamp is right above the table? If the fluorescent lamp is in the corner and the lamp is not right above the table, do we have to use 'above' as follows?
5. The fulorescent lamp is above the table.
Sentences 1 and 5 read as if the fluorescent lamp is attached to the wall or ceiling and is over or above the desk.
http://homeli.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Ninebyfour-Light-Over-Desk.jpg
If the lamp is a free-standing lamp, it would be ON the desk.
http://cdn.home-designing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/5-Silver-desk-lamp1.jpeg
All the others are correct.
In the given context, when it is mentioned that the fluorescent lamp is "over the desk" (#1), it generally implies that the lamp is positioned above the desk but not necessarily right on top of it. So, you could think of it as being placed a little higher than the desk.
If you want to convey that the lamp is directly above the table or right on top of it, you can indeed use the word "above" as in sentence #5. This would clarify that the lamp is positioned directly over the table and not slightly higher or elsewhere.
To summarize:
- "Over" means above or higher in position relative to the object mentioned.
- "Above" specifically indicates being positioned directly over or on top of the object mentioned.