"on the material" vs "of the material"

Question

"on the material" vs "of the material"

Both "of the material" and "on the material" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Of the material" is used to indicate possession or relationship, while "on the material" is used to describe being physically located on top of something.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

Use "on the material" when you want to describe something placed or situated physically on top of the material.

Examples:

There were some notes written on the material.
The spillage on the material needed to be cleaned.
The design on the material was intricate.
The sticker on the material was peeling off.
The paint on the material was starting to fade.

Alternatives:

placed on the material
situated on the material
resting on the material
lying on the material
positioned on the material

Use "of the material" when you want to show a connection or possession related to the material being discussed.

Examples:

The author provided a detailed analysis of the material.
The quality of the material was exceptional.
The origin of the material is still unknown.
The composition of the material is complex.
The properties of the material are being studied.

Alternatives:

related to the material
belonging to the material
associated with the material
pertaining to the material
connected to the material

Answer 1

on the material

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something physically located on top of the material.

Answer 2

of the material

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate possession or relationship with the material.

"on the material" vs "of the material"

on the material

of the material

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