"on the desk" vs "in the desk"

Question

"on the desk" vs "in the desk"

The phrases 'on the desk' and 'in the desk' have different meanings and are not interchangeable. 'On the desk' is used to indicate that something is physically located on top of the desk, while 'in the desk' is used to show that something is inside the desk.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

Use 'on the desk' when you want to describe the location of something that is placed on top of the desk.

Examples:

The book is on the desk.
There is a pen on the desk.
Her keys are on the desk.

Alternatives:

on top of the desk
on the table
on the surface of the desk
resting on the desk
sitting on the desk

Use 'in the desk' when you want to describe the location of something that is placed inside the desk.

Examples:

The keys are in the desk drawer.
She keeps her stationery in the desk.
The documents are in the desk.

Alternatives:

inside the desk
within the desk
stored in the desk
kept in the desk
placed inside the desk

Answer 1

on the desk

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

Answer 2

in the desk

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is inside the desk.

"on the desk" vs "in the desk"

on the desk

in the desk

Related Comparisons