in the tree vs on the tree

Both "in the tree" and "on the tree" can be correct depending on the context. "In the tree" is used when something is physically inside the tree, like a bird's nest. "On the tree" is used when something is physically on the surface of the tree, like a squirrel climbing on the trunk.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1915 views

This phrase is correct when referring to something that is physically inside the tree, like a bird's nest.

"in the tree"

Use "in the tree" when describing something that is located inside the tree, such as a bird's nest or insects hiding in the bark.

Examples:

The bird built its nest in the tree.
There are insects living in the tree trunk.
The squirrel found a cozy spot in the tree to rest.
The tree has a hollow space in the trunk where animals can hide.
The tree's roots spread deep in the ground.

Show examples from the web [+]

Lot of peaches in the tree, h.
I think there's someone in the tree.
The kite got caught in the tree.
Show hidden files and folder in the tree.
I gave it to her when we were in the tree.
Are there djinns in the tree?
This is the guy they found in the tree.
Fantastic story you wrote about that cat in the tree.
I should have stayed in the tree.
Over there in the tree is a chipmunk nest.
Michael met with his sister about the activist in the tree.
You were still stuck in the tree back then.
Tried to... stop him in the tree.
Tell him I'm stuck in the tree again, But this time there appear to be many bees.
Look at that, we got a guy up in the tree to get the magic nuts.
A rustle in the tree made me look up to the highest branches.
The koala sits in the tree.
Returns the slash-separated path to the given item in the tree.
Enter a project target as path in the tree
There's a whole bag of 'em in the tree out front.

Alternatives:

inside the tree
within the tree
within the branches of the tree
nestled in the tree
deep inside the tree

This phrase is correct when referring to something that is physically on the surface of the tree, like a squirrel climbing on the trunk.

"on the tree"

Use "on the tree" when describing something that is located on the surface of the tree, such as a squirrel climbing the trunk or a bird perched on a branch.

Examples:

The squirrel is climbing on the tree trunk.
There is a bird perched on the tree branch.
The tree has colorful flowers blooming on its branches.
The cat is stuck on the tree and can't come down.
The treehouse is built on the tree's sturdy branches.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sometimes you have to focus on the tree instead of the forest.
I'm really counting' on the tree, you know.
While I'm waiting for the CDC to call me back about the viral trace I found on the tree branch, thought I'd call the Parks Department, maybe see if they have any arrests for illegal hunting.
Your fiancé started carving on the tree.
The leaves on the tree have turned red.
There are plenty of oranges on the tree.
He has all the sweetness of an apple on the tree.
Deep cuts on the tree in the forest.
I think it deserves the top spot on the tree.
Yesterday, I counted 52 big marks on the tree and last night he came.
See where they scratched their backs on the tree?
There are small abrasions to the back of his head where he struggled, and we found traces of blood on the tree.
Wait, excuse me, but it's much more "Christmasy" than anything you've put on the tree.
observations on the tree in the plot.
Produce sold on the tree; buyers
Wet wood characteristic flavour of oil extracted from olives damaged by frost while on the tree.
But it's an undeclared law that the sheriff and her husband put the star on the tree.
Now that Christmas is saved, let's get these garlands on the tree before they end up on your hips.
Lab confirmed the hair we found on his neck and on the tree are not Blake's.
Lab confirmed the hair we found on his neck and on the tree were not Blake's.

Alternatives:

atop the tree
on top of the tree
on the surface of the tree
clinging to the tree
resting on the tree

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in the tree vs on the tree

"in the tree"

"on the tree"

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