I was unable to find a berth in the train last night, and so had to travel sitting. vs I was unable to find a berth on the train last night, and so had to travel sitting.

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. The first phrase 'a berth in the train' implies finding a place inside the train, while the second phrase 'a berth on the train' suggests finding a place on the train, such as a seat or a bed. The choice between 'in' and 'on' depends on whether the focus is on being inside the train or on top of it.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 312 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to finding a place inside the train.

"I was unable to find a berth in the train last night, and so had to travel sitting."

This phrase is used when talking about not being able to find a place inside the train, such as a seat or a bed.

Examples:

I was unable to find a berth in the train, so I had to stand the whole journey.
She couldn't find a berth in the train, so she had to sit on the floor.

Show examples from the web [+]

In the light of that positive experience, I was surprised - and I wondered why - I was unable to find a single word on gender equality in the Commission programme for 2003.
Lucas, please demonstrate this connection that I was unable to find.
And I was unable to find more potion to fuel it.
Mr President, unfortunately, I was unable to find any question in Mr Nogueira Román's comment.
Secondly, when trying to find what the structural funds were trying to achieve I was unable to find targets anywhere for this expenditure.
That's a negative, sir. I was unable to find the bomber, but I did save a passenger on the train.
Nevertheless. I was unable to negotiate the same deal.
During the apprehension of my suspect while facing hostile numbers, I was unable to secure the weapon.
I regret I was unable to arrive sooner.
Something I was unable to do as an heir.
I was unable to save Demetria.
When my husband died in a flood, I was unable to feed my two children.
I was unable to locate a heartbeat.
I was unable to see through Carl's clever machinations.
KATZENBERG: And I was unable to control it.
I was unable to conclude the rite in the allotted time.
I was unable to control my limbs in that icy water.
And once again, I was unable to answer.
I was unable to attend your string gravity seminar at MIT but I read a transcript.
I told Katherine I was unable to marry at this time.

Alternatives:

I was unable to find a seat in the train last night, and so had to travel standing.
I was unable to find a bed in the train last night, and so had to sleep sitting.

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to finding a place on the train, such as a seat or a bed.

"I was unable to find a berth on the train last night, and so had to travel sitting."

This phrase is used when talking about not being able to find a place on the train, like a seat or a bed.

Examples:

I was unable to find a berth on the train, so I had to sit in the aisle.
He couldn't find a berth on the train, so he had to sleep on the floor.

Show examples from the web [+]

In the light of that positive experience, I was surprised - and I wondered why - I was unable to find a single word on gender equality in the Commission programme for 2003.
Lucas, please demonstrate this connection that I was unable to find.
And I was unable to find more potion to fuel it.
Mr President, unfortunately, I was unable to find any question in Mr Nogueira Román's comment.
Secondly, when trying to find what the structural funds were trying to achieve I was unable to find targets anywhere for this expenditure.
That's a negative, sir. I was unable to find the bomber, but I did save a passenger on the train.
Nevertheless. I was unable to negotiate the same deal.
During the apprehension of my suspect while facing hostile numbers, I was unable to secure the weapon.
I regret I was unable to arrive sooner.
Something I was unable to do as an heir.
I was unable to save Demetria.
When my husband died in a flood, I was unable to feed my two children.
I was unable to locate a heartbeat.
I was unable to see through Carl's clever machinations.
KATZENBERG: And I was unable to control it.
I was unable to conclude the rite in the allotted time.
I was unable to control my limbs in that icy water.
And once again, I was unable to answer.
I was unable to attend your string gravity seminar at MIT but I read a transcript.
I told Katherine I was unable to marry at this time.

Alternatives:

I was unable to find a seat on the train last night, and so had to travel standing.
I was unable to find a bed on the train last night, and so had to sleep on the floor.

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I was unable to find a berth in the train last night, and so had to travel sitting. vs I was unable to find a berth on the train last night, and so had to travel sitting.