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

Remember that onto is often used as a preposition meaning movement towards a surface.
On to is two separate words and is used when to is part of an infinitive or a preposition that follows on.
The word onto often implies both movement and contact with a surface, while on to suggests movement towards a goal or continuation of an action.
If you can replace it with on top of and it still makes sense, use onto.
Use on to if you can separate the two words meaningfully and still preserve the sense of the sentence.