at the ceiling vs on the ceiling

Both 'at the ceiling' and 'on the ceiling' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'At the ceiling' is used when someone is looking in the direction of the ceiling, while 'on the ceiling' is used when something is physically located on the surface of the ceiling.

Last updated: April 09, 2024 • 2928 views

at the ceiling

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when someone is looking in the direction of the ceiling, such as when admiring a decoration or trying to spot something.

Examples:

She stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.
The children lay on their backs, gazing at the ceiling.
He noticed a crack at the ceiling while lying in bed.

Show examples from the web [+]

I think you have it pointing at the ceiling.
A microphone is positioned at the ceiling and the sounds produced inside the hub out of speakers outside, manipulated by the musician Beto Kloster.
I just spent three hours in my office throwing pencils at the ceiling.
He was either looking up at the ceiling, or down at his shoes.
Reliability and longevity is not up for compromise with equipment often located high up at the ceiling with limited access for maintenance.
This signal is detected by the lock and transmitted wireless to the access points at the ceiling of the Data Centre to check the authorization with the related user group.
Use an external flash. Aim it at the ceiling or a wall to create indirect light.
If we are talking about wall varieties, then it is located vertically, whereas at the ceiling lift it has a horizontal orientation.
You can also point one leg up at the ceiling for an even greater challenge.
I looked up at the ceiling, and then thought that I was being ridiculous.
On many closed places like the basements of the Great Pyramid of Egypt there are very good paintings without signs of any smoke at the ceiling.
The YSP-5600 adjusts the angle of the sound beam directed at the ceiling allowing the height channel position to be matched to the listening position either manually or automatically.
When the internal fault arc occurs in the circuit breaker or busbar room and cable room, the compression release metal plates at the ceiling opens automatically.
The Lift-Box guarantees a safe fixing at the ceiling (anchoring points in the ceiling) in order to support heavy lift equipment.
She was staring at the ceiling while being done.
I was staring at the ceiling for three hours.
I just needed to quickly stare at the ceiling.
He was looking at the ceiling and mirror, everywhere but me.
6-7 M.I.M.E. is looking at the ceiling light.
At last you'll be able to lie and look at the ceiling.

Alternatives:

looking at the ceiling
staring at the ceiling
gazing at the ceiling

on the ceiling

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when something is physically located on the surface of the ceiling, such as a light fixture, a spider, or a piece of art.

Examples:

There is a spider on the ceiling.
The painting on the ceiling is breathtaking.
The light fixture on the ceiling needs to be replaced.

Show examples from the web [+]

You will paint the Twelve Apostles on the ceiling... and decorate the vault with appropriate designs.
And there were glowing arrows on the ceiling.
He put stars on the ceiling... because he slept here.
And with mirrors on the ceiling.
Non-drip so it can also be installed vertically or on the ceiling.
Modern cuckoo clock hung on the ceiling or wall.
My dad saw her on the ceiling.
And the brown rust stains on the ceiling.
There's a parachute on the ceiling.
Had her on the ceiling, you know.
They put smoke detectors up on the ceiling.
Zoey described a room with a furnace and pipes on the ceiling.
FINLAY: Blood on the ceiling.
He used to bang on the ceiling when we played the music.
And then I toasted her on the ceiling.
They have these balloons all hanging up on the ceiling, everything.
We found some on the ceiling.
The stain on the ceiling was gone.
Do not rearrange the star stickers on the ceiling.
Maybe we could add stenciling on the ceiling.

Alternatives:

attached to the ceiling
hanging from the ceiling
mounted on the ceiling

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