"On the window." vs "In the window."

Question

"On the window." vs "In the window."

Both "on the window" and "in the window" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "On the window" implies that something is physically located on the surface of the window, while "in the window" suggests that something is inside the window or within its frame.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

Use "on the window" when describing something that is placed on the surface of the window, such as a sticker or a bird perched on the window sill.

Examples:

There is a sticker on the window.
A bird landed on the window.
She wrote a message on the window with a marker.

Alternatives:

on the windowsill
on the window frame
on the windowpane
on the glass window
on the exterior of the window

Use "in the window" when describing something that is contained within the window, such as a plant on the windowsill or a reflection in the glass.

Examples:

There is a plant in the window.
I saw my reflection in the window.
The cat likes to sit in the window.

Alternatives:

inside the window
within the window
within the window frame
within the glass window
inside the windowpane

Answer 1

On the window.

This phrase is correct when referring to something that is physically located on the surface of the window.

Answer 2

In the window.

This phrase is correct when referring to something that is inside the window or within its frame.

"On the window." vs "In the window."

On the window.

In the window.

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