kept the box in your desk vs kept the box on your desk

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Kept the box in your desk' implies that the box is inside the desk, while 'kept the box on your desk' suggests that the box is placed on top of the desk. The choice between the two depends on the specific location of the box.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1847 views

This phrase is correct but implies that the box is inside the desk.

"kept the box in your desk"

This phrase is used when the box is stored inside the desk, not on top of it.

Show examples from the web [+]

In the box in front of you there are some Havana cigars.
See? Zalman puts the box in the van.
You get the box in the end.
Obviously we can't leave the box in this cursed place.
That he found the box in Wade's bedroom.
The box in plainview, Malcolm the cryptographer.
Korath will likely keep the box in his private quarters.
I never saw any part of the castle but the box in which Hagrid kept me.
And I love her also, so I think that we should just throw the box in a big old fire, voilá.
Once I seal the box in here... no one can break the spell but me.
Pre-incubate the box in the hybridisation oven at 55 ºC for at least 10 minutes.
tick the box in case the consignment is intended for import.
Same with the box in the attic.
I remember seeing it fall out of the box in the closet.
Or give it to Mead if he hasn't emptied the box in the hall.
I just found the box in the file cabinet, but someone got to it first.
I had the box in my hands, then I decided you never will. Ever.
I... I found the box in the bathroom.
Neal: Means they'll reach the box in a day and a half.
I brought some gear to neutralize the Box in case we run across it.

Alternatives:

kept the box inside your desk
stored the box in your desk drawer

This phrase is correct and implies that the box is placed on top of the desk.

"kept the box on your desk"

This phrase is used when the box is placed on the surface of the desk, not inside it.

Show examples from the web [+]

Leave the old ones on your desks, and put your names on the box on the inside cover of the new ones.
I've also placed your afternoon juice box on your desk.
Officers of the court, in the box on my left.
In the box on the table over there.
Copy a drawing from the box on the right into the box on the left.
Copy the mirror image of an object from the box on the right into the box on the left.
Man, I never thought they'd put him in the box on his first day.
Just - let's just put the box on.
But first, why is there a big empty box on your desk that says "Humphries" on it?
Did you look in the box on my desk?
But there is a Jack-in-the-Box on the other side in San Ysidro.
Drag the image parts from the box on the left to create a painting on the main board.
What's with the box on my desk?
Use the key to open the box on the table.
In the boxroom, in the white dresser... and the box on top of it.
When present, the appropriate number of the box on the SAD is noted.
She didn't know where I kept the box.
The bottom of the box on the inside is four inches shorter than the outside.
Didn't really think outside of the box on that one, did he?
Change the update frequency by moving the slider. The value in the box on the left is the interval (in seconds) between updates of the & kdiskfree; display to reflect the current status.

Alternatives:

placed the box on your desk
put the box on your desk

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

kept the box in your desk vs kept the box on your desk