Which is correct:
"in the back " or "on the back"?

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in the back

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to something located inside a space at the rear of a vehicle or building.

Use "in the back" when referring to something located inside a space at the rear of a vehicle or building. For example, "I left my bag in the back of the car."

Examples:

  • The spare tire is in the back of the truck.
  • She sat in the back of the classroom.
  • There's a secret compartment in the back of the wardrobe.
  • He keeps his tools in the back of the garage.
  • The children were playing in the back of the garden.

Alternatives:

  • at the back
  • at the rear
  • at the end
  • towards the rear
  • to the rear

on the back

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something located on the exterior surface of an object.

Use "on the back" when describing something located on the exterior surface of an object. For example, "There's a logo on the back of the T-shirt."

Examples:

  • She had a tattoo on the back of her neck.
  • There's a stain on the back of your shirt.
  • The artist signed the painting on the back.
  • There's a label on the back of the book.
  • He had a backpack on his back.

Alternatives:

  • on the rear
  • on the reverse side
  • on the posterior
  • on the rear side
  • on the opposite side
Both "in the back" and "on the back" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "In the back" is used to refer to something located inside a space at the rear of a vehicle or building. On the other hand, "on the back" is used to describe something located on the exterior surface of an object, such as a design on a T-shirt.

Last updated: March 19, 2024

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