"on a train" vs "in a train"

Question

"on a train" vs "in a train"

Both 'on a train' and 'in a train' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'On a train' is used to indicate that someone is physically on the train, while 'in a train' is used to describe being inside the train.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

Use 'on a train' when you want to describe someone being physically on the train, such as standing on the platform waiting for the train or sitting in a seat inside the train.

Examples:

I saw her reading a book on the train.
He likes to listen to music on the train.
She waved to me from the window on the train.
The conductor checked our tickets on the train.
They met on the train and became friends.

Alternatives:

on the train
riding the train
traveling by train
taking the train
commuting on the train

Use 'in a train' when you want to describe someone or something being inside the train, such as sitting in a seat or walking through the train.

Examples:

There are many people in the train.
The children were playing games in the train.
She left her bag in the train.
He fell asleep in the train.
The lights went out in the train.

Alternatives:

inside the train
within the train
within a train carriage
inside a train compartment
within the train

Answer 1

on a train

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that someone is physically on the train.

Answer 2

in a train

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe being inside the train.

"on a train" vs "in a train"

on a train

in a train

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