TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

on the desk vs at the desk

Both "on the desk" and "at the desk" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "On the desk" is used when something is physically located on top of the desk, while "at the desk" is used to indicate someone's location or position near the desk.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 2200 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is physically located on top of the desk.

"on the desk"

Use "on the desk" when referring to something that is physically placed on top of the desk, such as a book, a pen, or a computer.

Examples:

  • The keys are on the desk.
  • There is a vase of flowers on the desk.
  • I left my phone on the desk.
  • Put it on the desk, Randall, please.
  • I mean, there's no paper on the desk.
  • Leave it on the desk, please.
  • Now I can bring a latte and leave the cup on the desk.
  • The phone's over there on the desk.
  • The timetable is over there on the desk.
  • I found this on the desk in his bedroom.
  • My phone's on the desk over there.
  • Just leave my money on the desk.
  • Memo's in room 2642 on the desk.
  • You don't know what's on the desk.
  • They're on the desk, and this came by messenger.
  • Blueprints for the train factory are on the desk.
  • The package on the desk contains your issued stock.
  • All right, no laptop on the desk...
  • All right, no laptop on the desk...
  • Your photograph is on the desk.
  • Your photograph is on the desk.
  • Keep your hands on the desk, please.
  • There's nothing on the desk.

Alternatives:

  • on top of the desk
  • on top of the table
  • on the surface of the desk
  • resting on the desk
  • placed on the desk

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate someone's location or position near the desk.

"at the desk"

Use "at the desk" when referring to someone's location or position near the desk, such as when they are working or sitting there.

Examples:

  • She is working at the desk.
  • He is sitting at the desk.
  • There is a computer at the desk.
  • Forgive me, sir, but your secretary was not at the desk.
  • I've been sat at the desk all this morning.
  • They said at the desk that you were here.
  • Perhaps at the desk I can get an employment...
  • Your check is at the desk.
  • Mom, the lady at the desk says you need to pay.
  • I saw your bulletin board while you had me waiting at the desk.
  • I never saw you at the desk.
  • Now, sit at the desk and keep the line open.
  • Now, sit at the desk and keep the line open.
  • The young lady at the desk is Sergeant Sarah Brown.
  • Time for lunch, sir. I thought we could eat at the desk, like the old days.
  • If there are any problems and I'm not at the desk, just ring the bell.
  • The guy at the desk said there could be riptides.
  • I got a packet at the desk and then a phone call from Sunkist.
  • I wanted something simple and geometric, and I was sitting there at the desk kind of thinking.
  • The first day I became mayor, they sit me down at the desk - big chair and dark wood, lots of beautiful things.
  • Still got you at the desk, Commander?
  • I sat at the desk, too, not the counter.
  • I was just sitting at the desk last night, and the whole house started to shake.

Alternatives:

  • near the desk
  • by the desk
  • beside the desk
  • next to the desk
  • close to the desk

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo