On to-Onto | Commonly Confused Words

On to

/ˈɒn tu/

To be continuing towards a further stage or step

She's moved on to a new stage in her career.We'll get on to the next item on the agenda.He held on to her hand tightly.

/ˈɒntə/

Used to indicate movement toward a surface or awareness of something.

So he grabbed onto Don Quixote's trouser belt with both hands.The gate opens onto the moor.I pretend it doesn't sting as we step onto the train.

This word has no antonyms

On to is a combination of two words, used when on follows a verb and is linked to another preposition to.
Onto is a single word, usually indicating movement toward a surface or position.
Remember, on to is used in sequences of actions, while onto often implies a specific destination.
On to can often be replaced by to without changing the meaning, but onto cannot.
If you can replace with upon, youre likely dealing with onto'.