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.

Our experts

on the paper vs in the paper

The correct preposition to use with "paper" depends on the context. "On the paper" can be used when referring to something physically placed on top of a piece of paper. "In the paper" can be used when referring to an article, photo, or something else contained within a newspaper or similar publication.
Jennifer profile picture

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: November 15, 2024 • 10447 views

on the paper

This phrase is not commonly used in English. The preposition "on" is not typically used with the noun "paper" in this context.

The phrase "on the paper" could be used when referring to something physically placed on top of a piece of paper, such as a pen or a drawing.
  • Dec 20, 2019 ... What he wrote in the paper proved his theory. She left me a note written on the paper.
  • Nov 19, 2010 ... The instructions are contained in the content of what's written on the paper. If you are describing a sheet of paper, I'd definitely say on that ...
  • Oct 28, 2015 ... The solution is, try to find this icon near your printer paper tray. If the icon has lines on the paper like this, it will print on front side of the paper.
  • Mar 23, 2020 ... 'on the paper' is on (the surface of) one sheet of paper. Something is 'in the paper' = 'in the newspaper', because a newspaper has many sheets, like a book.
  • Apr 2, 2011 ... Interview: Ken Liu on “The Paper Menagerie” · – Tell us a bit about the story. · – What is the inspiration for this story, or what prompted you to ...
  • Aug 20, 2018 ... Another trait of watercolor that makes it fun to work with is the ability to mix colors on the paper. Of course some mixing on the palette is ...
  • We invite you to listen to these lines on the paper and share that time with us. Musicians. Kate Wolf vocals, guitar. Eddie B. Barlow dobro, harmony ...
  • Feb 24, 2022 ... Printer for my terminal won't print on the paper. I have a square terminal in my store. It is not a portable unit. The receipt printer is a ...
  • Oct 29, 2024 ... On the Paper To Pavement YouTube channel. This is the whole story on how the rematch in Houston went down. Please share to all your buddies ...
  • Aug 2, 2009 ... When I chose to print more than one photo on a page, I am unable to move the pictures to different locations on the paper.

Alternatives:

  • on the table
  • on the wall
  • on the desk
  • on the floor
  • on the shelf

in the paper

This phrase is not commonly used in English. The preposition "in" is not typically used with the noun "paper" in this context.

The phrase "in the paper" could be used when referring to something contained within a publication like a newspaper, such as an article or an advertisement.
  • Dec 20, 2019 ... Depends whether you're talking about a physical piece of paper or a newspaper, academic paper, etc. What he wrote in the paper proved his ...
  • Aug 18, 2024 ... 433 likes, 14 comments - juliarothman on August 18, 2024: "In the paper today ".
  • Jul 20, 2022 ... ... in the paper sleeve or the black sleeve? : r/vinyl. Open menu.
  • Sep 30, 2012 ... The reader is anyway free to "rewind/relist" in the paper (see the very last point by DJB). P.S. The links to homepages of the two guys ...
  • Mar 23, 2020 ... Hypothesis: I think that 1) is correct here. I have also been told by a native, that 2) "in the paper" is possible to use when reffering to what ...
  • Aug 26, 2024 ... demographic details for subpopulations studied by the paper. Where does the Appendix appear in the paper? The appendices section, if there is ...
  • Nov 19, 2010 ... It is a funny comedy. I think Ill go with it's in the paper (meaning in the set of instructions). Wouldn't that sound correct? Luciana.
  • Jul 15, 2016 ... In the Paper/Quality tab, under currently loaded paper, it says: Roll: Plain Paper, 36.06 inches. Multi-sheet tray: Not loaded. Single sheet ...
  • ... in the paper were incorrect, contrary to the findings of the earlier investigation.[7] Wakefield et al.[1] were held guilty of ethical violations (they had ...
  • Oct 28, 2019 ... It's one thing to read about something in the paper; it's another thing to get out in the community and see it for yourself. And it's another ...

Alternatives:

  • in the newspaper
  • in the document
  • in the magazine
  • in the book
  • in the report

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!