On-In | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

On vs. In

On

/ɒn/
Indicating a position touching or in contact with the surface of a place or object

Examples:

I think the wallet is on the table.From then on she took control of everything.He turned and put his hand on Silver Blaze is back.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

In

/ɪn/
Used to indicate location or position within something

Examples:

There's some sugar in the cupboard.In walked the Counsellor, calling out:It is the only way to succeed in in - business.'

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Remember on as being more about surfaces and contact, while in involves enclosure or being inside something.
  • If you think about the phrase on top, it represents being above a surface, whereas in would be embedded within something.
  • Use on when dealing with something that lies atop a flat or horizontal surface, such as on the table.
  • When you need to express being contained or surrounded by something, in is your word, like in the box.
  • On is often used for dates and days, as in on Monday, while in might describe longer periods, like in October.
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