"in a car" vs "on a car"

Question

"in a car" vs "on a car"

Both 'in a car' and 'on a car' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In a car' is used when referring to being inside a vehicle, while 'on a car' is used when talking about being physically on top of a vehicle.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

Use 'in a car' when you want to indicate that someone or something is inside a vehicle, such as a car, bus, or taxi.

Examples:

I left my keys in the car.
She enjoys listening to music in the car.
There are four people in the car.
The kids are playing games in the car.
He found his sunglasses in the car.

Alternatives:

inside a car
within a car
inside the car
inside the vehicle
inside the automobile

Use 'on a car' when you want to indicate that someone or something is physically on the exterior surface of a vehicle.

Examples:

The cat is sitting on the car.
There's a dent on the car.
He placed his bag on the car.
The kids are playing on the car roof.
There's a sticker on the car window.

Alternatives:

atop a car
on the vehicle
on the automobile
on the car's surface
on the car's exterior

Answer 1

in a car

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to being inside a vehicle.

Answer 2

on a car

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to being physically on top of a vehicle.

"in a car" vs "on a car"

in a car

on a car

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