"in a man" vs "on a man"

Question

"in a man" vs "on a man"

The phrases 'on a man' and 'in a man' have different meanings and are not directly comparable. 'On a man' is used to describe something physically located on the surface of a man, while 'in a man' is used to describe something inside a man. The choice between the two depends on the specific context in which you are referring to the location of something related to a man.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

Use 'in a man' when referring to something that is located inside a man, such as feelings, thoughts, or physical objects within the body.

Examples:

There was a lot of anger in the man.
He had a kind heart in a man of few words.
The doctor found a tumor in the man.

Alternatives:

inside the man
within him
within the person
inside his body

Use 'on a man' when referring to something that is physically located on the surface of a man, such as a piece of clothing or an accessory.

Examples:

The hat was on a man's head.
She placed her hand on a man's shoulder.
There was a tattoo on a man's arm.

Alternatives:

on the man
on his body
on him
on the person

Answer 1

in a man

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something inside a man.

Answer 2

on a man

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something physically located on the surface of a man.

"in a man" vs "on a man"

in a man

on a man

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