"Written on it" vs "Written in it"

Question

"Written on it" vs "Written in it"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Written on it' is used when something is physically written on the surface of an object, like a note on a piece of paper. 'Written in it' is used when something is contained within an object, like a message inside a book.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

This phrase is used when referring to something that is physically written on the surface of an object, such as a note written on a piece of paper or a message written on a whiteboard.

Examples:

There was a message written on the whiteboard.
Her name was written on the card.
Please don't write on the walls.

Alternatives:

inscribed on it
scribbled on it
marked on it
engraved on it
etched on it

This phrase is used when referring to something that is contained within an object, such as a message written in a book or a secret code written in a letter.

Examples:

There was a hidden message written in the book.
The answer was written in the email.
She found a note written in the drawer.

Alternatives:

contained in it
found in it
placed in it
inserted in it
enclosed in it

Answer 1

Written on it

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

Written in it

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Written on it" vs "Written in it"

Written on it

Written in it

Related Comparisons