"in the eye" vs "on the eye"

Question

"in the eye" vs "on the eye"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the eye' is used when referring to something inside the eye, while 'on the eye' is used when referring to something on the surface of the eye.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

Use 'in the eye' when talking about something located inside the eye, such as a foreign object or a medical condition.

Examples:

There is a piece of dust in my eye.
The doctor found a speck of dirt in her eye.
She felt a sharp pain in her eye.

Alternatives:

inside the eye
within the eye
within the eyeball
inside the eyeball

Use 'on the eye' when talking about something located on the surface of the eye, such as makeup or an injury.

Examples:

She applied eyeshadow on her eye.
There was a bruise on his eye.
The doctor placed a bandage on the eye.

Alternatives:

on the surface of the eye
over the eye
atop the eye
covering the eye

Answer 1

in the eye

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something inside the eye.

Answer 2

on the eye

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something on the surface of the eye.

"in the eye" vs "on the eye"

in the eye

on the eye

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