"is on" vs "is in"

Question

"is on" vs "is in"

Both "is in" and "is on" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "Is in" is used to indicate location inside something, while "is on" is used to indicate location on top of something.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Use "is on" when you want to describe the location of something on a surface or object.

Examples:

The cup is on the table.
The picture is on the wall.
The book is on the shelf.
The cat is on the roof.
My keys are on the desk.

Alternatives:

is placed on
is resting on
is situated on
is positioned on
is lying on

Use "is in" when you want to describe the location of something inside another object or place.

Examples:

The book is in the bag.
The keys are in the drawer.
The cat is in the box.
My phone is in my pocket.
The milk is in the fridge.

Alternatives:

is inside
is within
is contained in
is located in
is situated in

Answer 1

is on

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate location on top of something.

Answer 2

is in

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate location inside something.

"is on" vs "is in"

is on

is in

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