on a lower level while climbing

[navi tasan]

Which are correct:

1-John and Harry were taking a fridge up the stairs. John was behind Harry.


2-John and Harry were taking a fridge up the stairs. John was below Harry.


3-John and Harry were taking a fridge up the stairs. John was further down than Harry.

4-John and Harry were taking a fridge up the stairs. John was on a lower level than Harry.


5-John and Harry were taking a fridge up the stairs. Harry was above John.


Since they are climbing the stairs, being behind means being on a lower level.

I think all of the sentences could be considered grammaticaly correct, but I wanted to know which would be natural in this context.

[JohnParis]

Both N° 3 and N° 4 seem awkward to me.
As you mention, behind works only because they are on stairs.
Have you considered using "beneath"?
What about "John was a couple of steps below Harry"?

John

[navi tasan]

Thanks John Paris,

So "below" and "above" are the right solutions, but you suggest that "a few steps" be mentioned?

I think that description is much more precise and in a way less abstract.

[JohnParis]

Above and below are fine in this context.
If you find my suggestion of "a few steps above (or below)" to be less abstract, then all the better!

John

[navi tasan]

Thanks John.

Yes, I do not think they are essential (I hope I am not wrong!) but they give a more vivid picture of what was going on.

Gratefully
Navi