Mastering the Tricky Prepositions in English: Part 3 – In and On

Prepositions in English Part 3

When to use “in” and “on”

The use of “in” and “on,” can be tricky for second-language speakers because these words don’t always follow predictable patterns.

 

There are a few general rules for using these words to make it a bit easier.

How to use “in”

1.       The word “in” is usually used when something is within the space of another object, or inside a place or area

 

Example 1: The man is in the house.

One thing (the man) is inside something else (the house).

 

Example 2: The toy is still in the box.

One thing (the toy) is inside something else (its box).

 

2.       “In” is used when something is in water. For example, when talking about oceans, seas, lakes or rivers.

 

Example 3: The fish swim happily in the ocean.

One thing (the fish) is inside something (the ocean).

 

Example 4: I stepped in a puddle.

One thing (my foot) is inside something (a puddle).

 

3.       Sometimes “in” can be used with abstract concepts. For example: in trouble, in love, in danger, in a meeting.

 

“In” is used to indicate that we are part of or experiencing that particular concept.

 

Example 5: He is in love with the pretty girl from school.

He is experiencing love. Therefore, we say that he is “in” love.

 

Example 6: The manager is in a meeting.

A meeting is not something you can touch, but we still use “in” to show that the manager is part of the meeting.

 

How to use “on”

1.       “On” is mostly used when one thing is on top of another thing.

 

Example 1: The book is on the table.

One thing (the book) is on top of another thing (the table).

 

2.       “On” can also be used if something is fixed to a wall or ceiling. In this case, it touches the wall or ceiling, but not the floor.

 

Example 2: I hanged the painting on the wall.

The painting touches the wall, but not the floor.

 

3.       “On” is also used for technology and media. (anything that happens on a computer, radio, TV etc).

 

Example 3: I like listening to music on the radio.

The music comes from the radio, so we say it is “on” the radio.

 

Tricky situations

Even though a movie is on TV, the actors are described as being in the movie.

 

Example 1: I saw Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie Titanic on TV yesterday.

The movie Titanic is on the TV, but Leonardo DiCaprio is in the movie.

 

We say an actor is in a movie because they are part of the story. In the same way we say that a character is in a book because they too are part of the story.

 

Example 2: Aragorn is my favourite character in the Lord of the Rings.

Aragorn is described as being in the book because he is part of the story.

 

If it is characters or actors in a story we use the word “in.” It can be a book, a movie, a play or a radio drama.

 

If there is no story, we use the word “on.”

 

Example 3: I saw the president on the news yesterday.

The news isn’t a story—it broadcasts facts. Because of this we use the word “on.”

 

Tricky situations with vehicles

Are you “in” or “on” vehicle

Whether you use “on” or “in” when using a vehicle usually depends on the size of the vehicle and whether you are out in the open or if you are inside the vehicle.

 

Generally, if the vehicle is smaller and you are inside of it you use the word “in.” (I am in a: car, van, truck or taxi).

 

Example 1: My friend drove past me in his new car.

Because the car is a small vehicle and my friend is inside of it, we use the word “in.”

 

If you are outside when using the vehicle, you use the word “on.” (I am on a: Motorbike, tricycle, scooter or bike/ bicycle).

 

Example 2: I went to work on my motorbike.

A motorbike is a small vehicle, but because you are out in the open when you use it you are “on” it.

 

Usually when you use larger vehicles like public transport, we say that you are “on” them even though you are inside of them. (I am on a: bus, train or plane/ airplane).

 

Example 3: I read my book on the train yesterday.

Even though you are inside the train we still say that you are on the train because it is a larger vehicle.

 

Using “in” or “on” for time

Whether we use “in” or “on.” If we know the specific day of the event, we use “on.”

If we specify a longer time period, we use “in.”

 

1.       If we talk about a specific day, we use the word “on.” I will meet you: on Monday, on the 5th of July, on Christmas Day).

 

Example 1: I have a test on the 21st of November.

In this example we know the exact day this event (the test) will take place.

 

2.       We use “in” when we talk about something existing in a certain time period.

 

Example 2: Rome was founded in 753 BC.

In this example, we are told when a specific event took place (the founding of Rome). We do not know the exact day it happened.

 

Example 3: My grandmother was born in 1945.

In this example, we are told when a specific event took place (the birth of my grandmother). The exact day was not specified in this example.

 

3.       We use “in” when

Example 4: I will meet you in ten minutes.

 

Some more tricky situations

There are a few expressions that always use the same preposition.

 

1.       In fashion.

Example 1: Red dresses are in fashion.

 

2.       On fire.

Example 2: The house is on fire.

 

3.       In trouble.

Example 3: The boy is in trouble.

Click the following link to go to the next lesson:      

Mastering the Tricky Prepositions in English: Part 4 – At (Basic)

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