in an emergency vs on an emergency

The correct phrase is 'in an emergency.' 'On an emergency' is not proper phrasing in English. 'In an emergency' is commonly used to describe a situation where immediate action is required.

Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 30, 2025 • 5600 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"in an emergency"

This phrase is used to describe a situation where immediate action is required due to an unexpected event or crisis.

Examples:

In an emergency, please call 911.
You should know what to do in an emergency.
In an emergency, follow the evacuation procedures.
It's important to remain calm in an emergency.
In an emergency situation, safety is the top priority.

Show examples from the web [+]

Only use it in an emergency.
Call the police in an emergency.
In order to resolve specific problems, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts which are both necessary and justifiable in an emergency.
and adopting necessary and justifiable measures to resolve specific problems in an emergency.
A radio beacon crewmen can send to the surface in an emergency.
What to do in an emergency 5.
See the advice in 4 What to do in an emergency.
My old man has a stash in Hong Kong for me to use in an emergency.
I'm only supposed to call this in an emergency.
We know who we can call on in an emergency.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid contacting a health professional except in an emergency.
See 4 What to do in an emergency for more about hypos.
Toilet compartments shall be fitted with a means of summoning assistance in an emergency.
You only assist in an emergency.
It is not in absolutely mint condition, but it could certainly be used in an emergency.
See the advice in 4 What to do in an emergency.
The citizens of Europe have expressed their concern and made clear that they expect the Community to take specific action to guarantee efficient civil protection in an emergency.
Some stakeholders raised concerns whether the development of network codes and guidelines regarding operational procedures in an emergency would have any benefit and were questioning the harmonisation of these provisions.
Secondly, the European civil protection intervention corps must be able to turn out immediately in an emergency and arrive with its own equipment.
And just as crews have had to seal off sections... of a space station in an emergency, colonists will likely do the same.

This phrase is not a standard English construction.

"on an emergency"

Show examples from the web [+]

- David was called out on an emergency.
I've been called away on an emergency.
The hospital administrator - he's not out on an emergency.
They're all out on an emergency about a half a mile up. thanks.
In practice the only way to do that is to speed up the legislation procedure and agree that more issues should be handled on an emergency procedure basis.
Currently, many customers of hotels in the EU have no fixed abode and have been rehoused on an emergency basis in premises that are vulnerable in the event of a disaster, yet there is still no Community legislative framework for fire safety measures in hotels.
Your doctor was called away on an emergency.
Mr. Haynes from hospital administration, has been called away on an emergency.
I understand, but he was sent away on an emergency.
I'm afraid Dr. Price was just called off on an emergency.
Dear Pete, I had to leave the town on an emergency of business to Seattle.
His trainer said he got called away on an emergency In the middle of his squat thrusts.
One of Mrs. Florrick's key witnesses, Mr. Haynes from hospital administration, has been called away on an emergency.
As you perhaps also know, a small delegation of observers was organised during the summer on an emergency basis by the President, Mr Báron Crespo, who came to see me on the matter, and I was pleased to follow up his request.
Shepherd got called in on an emergency.
Dad was out on an emergency call-out.
Don't even try To tell me you're on an emergency ibuprofen run.
It is also a priority of the Council and Parliament, which have just reached agreement on an emergency aid package worth EUR 200 million.
In principle the airport is scheduled to open very soon, on 20 November, on an emergency basis.
I was auditioning this girl in your office, and I got pulled out on an emergency call.

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in an emergency vs on an emergency

"in an emergency"

"on an emergency"

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