in file vs On file

Both 'in file' and 'on file' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In file' is used to indicate that something is physically located within a file or document, while 'on file' is used to indicate that something is recorded or stored in a file or document.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 4630 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is physically located within a file or document.

"in file"

Use 'in file' when referring to something that is physically inside a file or document. For example, 'The document you are looking for is in file number 123.'

Examples:

The information is in the file on the top shelf.
Please check if the report is in the file.
The missing papers were found in the file cabinet.
All the necessary documents are in the file.
The letter is in the file marked 'urgent.'

Show examples from the web [+]

with any source line of this function in file
Warning: no %EndComments comment in file.
Select New Project Stored in File and proceed with Next.
New Project Stored in File
Warning: obsolete DSC version %.1f in file.
Executes the statements included in file script.
No shapes found in file: %1
An error was encountered at line %1 in file %2.
Error in file %1 at line %2:
Found invalid contact in file '%1 '
Error in file %1: No elements found
Cannot seek in file: %1
No valid bibtex entries were found in file - %1
Breakpoint at text node in file"%1".
No body tag found in file: %1
No office: drawing tag found in file: %1
OpenVPN import: PSK in file: %1
The character %1 is too large in file %2
Found invalid contact group in file '%1': %2
No fax found in file: %1

Alternatives:

inside the file
within the file
contained in the file
stored in the file
located in the file

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is recorded or stored in a file or document.

"On file"

Use 'on file' when referring to something that is recorded or stored in a file or document. For example, 'Your contact information is on file.'

Examples:

Your application is on file with the HR department.
We have your details on file.
The customer's complaint is on file.
The contract is on file in the legal department.
The payment confirmation is on file.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dr Linn is not on file.
His prints aren't on file.
The document is on file at our embassy.
We got a sample on file.
We have Eddie's fingerprints on file, though.
We'll keep your head shot on file.
And it's the signature we have on file.
We have their DNA on file.
Looks like there may be some photos on file.
They have her pattern on file.
They have her pattern on file.
We'll forward your last pay cheque to the address on file.
I won't go on file as violent.
The fingerprints match those we have on file for Calvin Sniglet.
On file at Partner/ as provided for in current legislation, and make use of the emblem of the Federation, if any.
Now, we ran his prints On file Against the ones that tao found In sue emery's house,
5 (On file on the narrow wharf of embarkation: the little girl with designs on the sweater, her mother with erect corselet, the father ahead of all others, on the table leaning to the sea that dazzles them at evening's start.
Then his medical records must be on file.
There's no emergency provision on file.
Individual training records should be kept on file.

Alternatives:

recorded in the file
stored in the file
documented in the file
kept in the file
registered in the file

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in file vs On file

"in file"

"On file"

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