"on their way" vs "in their way"

Question

"on their way" vs "in their way"

The correct phrase is 'on their way'. 'On their way' is a common expression used to indicate that someone or something is in the process of going somewhere. 'In their way' is also a valid phrase, but it has a different meaning, referring to someone or something blocking or obstructing another person's path.

Last Updated: March 17, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that someone or something is in the process of going somewhere.

Examples:

The package is on its way to your house.
They are on their way to the airport.
The students are on their way to the library.
The team is on their way to victory.
The ambulance is on its way to the hospital.

Alternatives:

en route
heading towards
making their way
approaching
traveling to

This phrase is used to indicate that someone or something is blocking or obstructing another person's path.

Examples:

The fallen tree was in their way.
The construction site was in their way.
Her negative attitude was in their way.
The car parked in front of the driveway was in their way.
The huge crowd was in their way.

Alternatives:

blocking their path
obstructing them
hindering their progress
impeding their movement
standing in their way

Answer 1

on their way

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

in their way

This phrase is correct but has a different meaning from 'on their way'.

"on their way" vs "in their way"

on their way

in their way

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