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"in the file" vs "on the file"

It sounds better to say "in the file" than "on the file." Picture a manila file; does it have documents inside it or on top of it?

Last Updated: June 22, 2018

in the file

This is correct

You can use this phrase when referring to a document within a file.

ExpertExplanation provided by a TextRanch English expert


Some examples from our editors:

  • I don't see anything in the file; are you sure you sent this document to us?
  • There are several signed copies in the file.

Some alternatives from our editors:

  • within the file
  • inside the file

on the file

This is not correct. Don't use this phrase.

If you are referring to something within a file, you would use the words "in the file," not "on the file." However, you could use the phrase "on file" when talking about maintaining a record, for example, "We will keep your resume on file."

ExpertExplanation provided by a TextRanch English expert


Some alternatives from our editors:

  • in the file

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