"on the" vs "in the"

Question

"on the" vs "in the"

Both 'in the' and 'on the' are correct prepositional phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the' is used to indicate location within an enclosed space, while 'on the' is used to indicate location on a surface or in a position that is not enclosed.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Use 'on the' when referring to something located on top of a surface or in a position that is not enclosed.

Examples:

The book is on the table.
There is a stain on the carpet.
She is sitting on the chair.

Alternatives:

atop the
upon the
on

Use 'in the' when referring to something located within a specific enclosed area or space.

Examples:

The keys are in the drawer.
She lives in the city.
There is a cat in the box.

Alternatives:

inside the
within the
within

Answer 1

on the

The phrase 'on the' is a correct prepositional phrase used to indicate location on a surface or in a position that is not enclosed.

Answer 2

in the

The phrase 'in the' is a correct prepositional phrase used to indicate location within an enclosed space.

"on the" vs "in the"

on the

in the

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