on surface vs of surface

Both "on surface" and "of surface" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "On surface" is used to describe something that is physically located on the surface of an object or area. On the other hand, "of surface" is used to indicate the material or characteristics of a surface.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 608 views

on surface

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something that is physically located on the surface of an object or area.

Use "on surface" when you want to indicate that something is located on the surface of an object or area. It is often used in descriptions of physical placement.

Examples:

There are fingerprints on the surface of the table.
The paint on the surface of the wall is peeling.
The boat floated on the surface of the water.
The dust settled on the surface of the bookshelf.
The snow on the surface of the road made driving difficult.

Show examples from the web [+]

Plastic foot board, skid-resistant on surface.
All right, getting a reading on surface temperatures.
CIC reports no contacts on surface or subsurface.
As soon as we're on surface, it will be quiet.
Decreases viable microbe count on surface of product during handling and placement.
In time, all expenditure except that based neither on surface nor on the number of animals, will be covered by the system (export refunds).
Person walks on surface, slips and falls
When the cheese on surface begins to colorize, extract from oven and serve immediately
INSTRUCTIONS: Attention: Do not use on marble and limestone! Spray on surface to be cleaned, let act shortly and rinse.
INSTRUCTIONS: Spray on surface to be cleaned, wipe with paper or soft tissue.
In areas where it circulates on surface the stadtbahn has its own platform with level crossings.
These substances, in conditions of static solutions, often tend to collect on surface forming a layer that can be easily remove.
It is easily transported and can be used in virtually any environment, even when placing on surface of the water table.
Low-e glazing Coating on surface Light transmission
Fishes have a social structure borrowed from humans, but they have to be vigilant in order to avoid the environmental degradation of the "enemy" who is on surface.
Agricultural aid does not encourage over-production, because it is not connected to the volume of production and is based on surface area and number of livestock.
Pour Kiehl-Basic-Oil into a spray can. Spray on surface and work with rotary floor machine (approx. 150 r.p.m.).
Substantially the Flotation is an inverse process respect to sedimentation, which realizes bringing on surface oils, greases and other substances, that are generally taken away with mechanical systems.
For the purpose of the operation, EUFOR submarines are not required to navigate on surface and to show their flag in the territorial sea of the Host State.
For this reason, the construction methods have been designed to minimize impact on surface and to be compatible with the passage of numerous utility infrastructures and a significant presence of groundwater.

Alternatives:

on the surface
on top of
at the surface
on the exterior
on the outer layer

of surface

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the material or characteristics of a surface.

Use "of surface" when you want to describe the material or characteristics of a surface. It is often used in discussions about properties or composition.