"in the column" vs "on the column"

Question

"in the column" vs "on the column"

Both 'in the column' and 'on the column' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the column' is used when referring to something that is inside or contained within the column, while 'on the column' is used when referring to something that is physically located on the surface of the column.

Last Updated: February 16, 2024

Use 'in the column' when referring to something that is inside or contained within the column. For example, 'There is a crack in the column.'

Examples:

There is a crack in the column.
I found a hidden compartment in the column.
The wires are tangled up in the column.
There is a support beam inside the column.
The water is leaking in the column.

Alternatives:

inside the column
within the column
contained in the column
located inside the column
positioned within the column

Use 'on the column' when referring to something that is physically located on the surface of the column. For example, 'There is a painting on the column.'

Examples:

There is a painting on the column.
I hung a picture on the column.
The bird is perched on the column.
There are vines growing on the column.
The graffiti is painted on the column.

Alternatives:

atop the column
on top of the column
resting on the column
positioned on the column
attached to the column

Answer 1

in the column

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something that is inside or contained within the column.

Answer 2

on the column

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something that is physically located on the surface of the column.

"in the column" vs "on the column"

in the column

on the column

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