on a tree vs in a tree

Both "on a tree" and "in a tree" can be correct depending on the context. "On a tree" is used when something is physically located on the surface of a tree, like a bird sitting on a branch. "In a tree" is used when something is inside the tree, like a squirrel hiding in a hollow trunk.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1589 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"on a tree"

Use "on a tree" when referring to something that is physically located on the surface of a tree, such as a bird perching on a branch.

Examples:

The cat is sitting on a tree branch.
There are beautiful flowers on the tree.
A squirrel is running on a tree trunk.

Show examples from the web [+]

When he came, he was stuck on a tree.
Spent the night upright... on a tree.
He is sitting downtown at the Golden Bear Motel... waiting to be plucked like an apple on a tree.
You're like an orange that's rotting on a tree and the tree's like,
Who knows what is doing a 30 kilos bird on a tree?
A 30 kilos bird on a tree does... ...TWEEEEEEEEEEEEET!
I left my mark on a tree somewhere over here.
I saw two little blackbirds sitting on a tree.
Hatched from a bauble on a tree.
Hatched from a bauble on a tree.
And now you're on a tree.
At least not on a tree that grows in Brooklyn.
Tony carved his name on a tree with a knife.
Just over here at this woodpecker on a tree.
I could count the number of leaves on a tree in five hours.
I'll place it on a tree, and throw them off track.
It's better to land on a tree than to hit it.
And after a week of sleeping on a tree full of bugs, I was looking forward to taking a nap on real furniture full of bugs.
Have you never wondered how many leaves there are on a tree?
If you should run in to trouble, and you're forced to leave. Markup on a tree, with your destination.

Alternatives:

perched on a tree
resting on a tree
sitting on a tree

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"in a tree"

Use "in a tree" when referring to something that is inside the tree, such as a bird nesting in a hollow trunk.

Examples:

The owl lives in a tree hollow.
There are insects living in the tree bark.
A family of birds is nesting in the tree.

Show examples from the web [+]

[Giggles] Fido and Payload sitting in a tree.
Mia and Ben, sitting in a tree.
Living in a tree for an entire year...
Right - your flying parchment's stuck in a tree.
He strung me up in a tree.
Strung him up in a tree.
I once spent five days in a tree.
Tom and Kate sitting in a tree...
I'm sure somewhere there's a cat stuck in a tree.
It's an eye carved in a tree.
- I do live in a tree.
Bryce and Juli sitting in a tree K-l-S-S-l-N-G
The football team tied me in a tree.
The dude was in a tree.
Show all jobs in a tree.
Maybe he admitted he lives in a tree, making cookies.
You go off and live in a tree and talk to the fairies.
We found you in a tree because you filmed something you weren't supposed to.
Everything else he just ditched in a tree.
Yeah. Something hung a camper up in a tree, then ate him alive right through his sleeping bag.

Alternatives:

inside a tree
within a tree
nestled in a tree

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on a tree vs in a tree

"on a tree"

"in a tree"

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