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In the machine vs on the machine

Both "in the machine" and "on the machine" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "In the machine" is used when something is physically inside the machine, while "on the machine" is used when something is physically on top of the machine.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 9781 views

In the machine

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to something that is physically inside the machine.

Use "in the machine" when describing something that is physically located inside the machine, such as components, parts, or objects.

Examples:

  • The tools are stored in the machine.
  • The paper got stuck in the machine.
  • There is a problem in the machine that needs to be fixed.
  • The coin is stuck in the vending machine.
  • The key is in the ignition of the machine.
  • The "ghost in the machine" is British philosopher Gilbert Ryle's description of René Descartes' mind-body dualism. The phrase was introduced in Ryle's book ...
  • The Ghost in the Machine is a 1967 book about philosophical psychology by Arthur Koestler. The title is a phrase (see ghost in the machine) coined by the ...
  • Ghost in the machine is a philosophical term introduced by Gilbert Ryle in his 1949 book, The Concept of Mind. Ghost in the Machine may also refer to: ...
  • Ghost in the Machine is the fourth studio album by English rock band The Police. The album was originally released on 2 October 1981 by A&M. The songs were ...

Alternatives:

  • inside the machine
  • within the machine
  • within the device
  • contained in the machine
  • internally in the machine

on the machine

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to something that is physically on top of the machine.

Use "on the machine" when describing something that is physically located on the surface of the machine, such as a tool, object, or decoration.

Examples:

  • There is a cup of coffee on the machine.
  • The manual is on the machine.
  • Please don't place anything heavy on the machine.
  • The sticker is on the machine.
  • The cat is sitting on the machine.
  • Brett Cullen as Nathan Ingram, Finch's collaborator on the Machine who died from an attack caused by a van bomb. Ingram acted as the interface between the  ...
  • Eventually, at the end of “In Extremis”, as the virus begins its attack on the Machine, the monitoring boxes begin to dance across the screen and disappear as the ...
  • Jun 11, 2014 ... HP started work on The Machine two years ago, when Martin Fink became CTO and head of HP Labs. He took a look at the components that ...
  • The following useful functions are available on the machine. Enjoy pleasant photography experience by utilizing various functions. Useful Functions Available  ...

Alternatives:

  • atop the machine
  • on top of the machine
  • resting on the machine
  • placed on the machine
  • sitting on the machine

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