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on the car vs in the car

'On the car' and 'in the car' mean different things and would be used in separate contexts. 'In the car' is the correct phrase to use when referring to being inside a vehicle. 'On the car' could be used when something is physically on top of a car, but it is less common.
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Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: August 11, 2024 • 33449 views

on the car

This phrase is correct when referring to something physically on top of the car.

Use 'on the car' when describing something that is physically located on top of the car, such as a roof rack or luggage.

Examples:

  • The luggage is on the car roof.
  • There is a bike on the car.
  • A cat is sitting on the car.
  • The sign is on the car's roof.
  • The keys were left on the car.
  • Sep 3, 2023 ... ... r/CarsIndia - These warning signs show up when I turn on the car,. Archived post. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot ...
  • Jul 21, 2015 ... As I tried to cope with all this, a picture of the two hackers performing these stunts appeared on the car's digital display: Charlie Miller ...
  • Dec 21, 2023 ... Can a ghost turn on the car alarm if the garage is not the ghost room? Question. I'm pretty new and was playing on tanglewood when I heard ...
  • Feb 18, 2022 ... I've even seen a few where if I was using Apple Maps, it would show the direction right on the car's display. But if you have the volume off ...
  • Jul 18, 2022 ... Where can you check this on the car?
  • Feb 8, 2023 ... Manual/Automatic shifting based on the car ... I would like to see a setting where IRL manual cars shift manual and automatics shift automatically ...
  • Nov 1, 2022 ... Nick O'Malley's playing on "The Car" · The bass is very front and center. · It's insanely tastefully played. · He has a great ear for dynamics, ...
  • Keep FOJ on the Car T-Shirts support the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Next Level Unisex Cotton Tee 4.3-ounce, 100% combed ring spun cotton, 32 singles 90/10 ...
  • Sep 10, 2024 ... 1159 likes, 10 comments - aric_almirola on September 10, 2024: "Left and Right this weekend with @gobowlingdotcom on the car in Watkins Glen ...
  • Oct 7, 2020 ... In the car. On the car would mean that you would be sitting on the roof of the car. Or just sitting anywhere on the outside of the car but ...

Alternatives:

  • on top of the car
  • above the car
  • atop the car
  • resting on the car
  • sitting on the car

in the car

This phrase is correct when referring to being inside a vehicle.

Use 'in the car' when describing being inside a vehicle, such as a car, truck, or van.

Examples:

  • I left my keys in the car.
  • She is waiting in the car.
  • There are snacks in the car.
  • The kids are playing in the car.
  • He sat in the car and waited.
  • About this artwork ; Title: In the Car ; Date: 1963 ; Materials: Oil and magna on canvas ; Measurements: 172.00 x 203.50 cm; Framed: 188.40 x 220.00 x 8.40 cm / ...
  • Oct 12, 2020 ... what did oliver mean in the car scene? When Oliver and Elio are sitting in the back seat of the car. Oliver says “just don't play at being a ...
  • In the Car (sometimes Driving) is a 1963 pop art painting by Roy Lichtenstein. The smaller, older of the two versions of this painting formerly held the ...
  • Jan 17, 2023 ... In MOST circumstances, leaving your baby or young child in the car while you go into a store is unsafe, neglectful, and generally a bad idea.
  • Question: Do you have any advice on how to handle discipline while in the car, particularly when siblings fight? As I see it, the options are limited.
  • Mar 17, 2023 ... 30 votes, 23 comments. Does anyone know the title of retro songs played in the car scenes of Suzume no Tojimari? Those sounds so familiar ...
  • May 30, 2022 ... ... in the car. I also had a phone overheat from direct sun and found there was nowhere in the car I could put it where it would cool back down ...
  • is crying in the car the same as cry it out? tips for babies who hate car. This is such a common worry for parents who aren't interested in ...
  • ⁠ ⁠ •In general, kids under 18 months old should not be permitted to eat or drink in the car seat. ⁠ ⁠ •If your child is over 18 months old, still use ...
  • Jun 15, 2023 ... Have you ever been driving home for your baby's nap and they fall asleep in the car?! One of the questions I get asked ALL the time as a ...

Alternatives:

  • inside the car
  • within the car
  • within the vehicle
  • inside the vehicle
  • inside the automobile

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