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 • 2215 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.

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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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

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on the desk vs at the desk

"on the desk"

"at the desk"

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