On the same surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "On the same surface" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe objects or elements that are located on a common or shared surface. Example: "The two paintings were displayed on the same surface, allowing viewers to compare their styles side by side."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

As explained in the section on statistical analyses, we experienced difficulties in how to handle fillings at tooth level when they were observed on the same surface in the presence of one or more enamel or dentine carious lesions.

Clinical Oral Investigations

If two conditions were present on the same surface, e.g. a filling in one pit and an enamel lesion in another, or an enamel lesion in one pit and a cavity in another, the higher score was recorded.

BMC Oral Health

"Ideally I'd stay on the same surface".

The Guardian - Sport

Her figures, she said, came from many cultures, but would often coexist on the same surface.

The Guardian - Arts

The secret to keeping electrons in captivity is mixing semiconductor materials with different electrical properties on the same surface.

The New York Times - Tech

In the 1980's, the hypertalented Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) wrote, painted and drew his way to fame, usually on the same surface.

The New York Times

After an emotional loss on clay on the Cote d'Azur in December, Cedric Pioline finally got his happy ending on the same surface and the same stretch of crowded coastline today.

The New York Times - Sports

Turn out on the same surface and flatten into a rough oval shape, then use a rolling pin to make a trench down the length of the oval, about a third of the way in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Johnson) * BROOKLYN MUSEUM: 'BASQUIAT' Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-88) wrote, painted and drew his way to fame (usually on the same surface) with a loquacious style that mixed mediums and gave visual voice to the glories, history and pain of blackness.

The New York Times

Add in the ability to charge multiple devices on the same surface and things get interesting.

TechCrunch

A novel poling design with both poling electrodes on the same surface is proposed.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial arrangements or experimental setups, ensure clarity by specifying what items are located "on the same surface" and why this arrangement is significant. For example, in scientific writing, clarify if the surface material or treatment affects the interaction of elements placed on it.

Common error

Avoid using "on the same surface" when "in the same area" or another similar phrase would be more accurate. "Surface" implies a direct contact, so reserve the phrase for situations where that is the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the same surface" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to specify the location or arrangement of items or elements relative to a shared surface. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use across various domains, highlighting spatial relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the same surface" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates a shared plane or area. As validated by Ludwig AI, the phrase appears frequently in scientific and news contexts to clarify spatial relationships. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the spatial context and avoid overgeneralization by considering more precise alternatives like "in the same area" when appropriate. Understanding its role in conveying spatial information will enhance writing clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the identical plane

Stresses the precise sameness of the surface, adding emphasis to the shared area.

in the same area

Specifies a location within the same general region, focusing on proximity rather than direct contact.

on a shared plane

Emphasizes that the objects or elements are positioned on a common flat surface.

in the same location

Highlights the identical positioning of items, removing the explicit surface mention.

on a common ground

Implies a shared basis or foundation, applicable in both physical and abstract contexts.

in the same spot

Focuses on an exact point or position being shared, losing the broader surface context.

in a parallel arrangement

Indicates items existing alongside each other, suggesting a specific spatial configuration.

co-located

A concise term indicating simultaneous existence in the same location, often used in technical contexts.

on the adjacent surface

Highlights that surfaces are close to each other.

on the facing sides

Suggests surfaces that are opposite each other.

FAQs

How can I use "on the same surface" in a sentence?

You can use "on the same surface" to describe items positioned on a shared plane, like "The bacteria were cultured "on the same surface" of the petri dish" or "The artist combined painting and collage "on the same surface"".

What are some alternatives to "on the same surface"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in the same area", "on a shared plane", or "in the same location" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "on the same exact surface"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "exact" is often redundant because "on the same surface" already implies it's the same specific surface. It is better to keep it short and simple with ""on the same surface"".

When is it more appropriate to use "on the same plane" instead of "on the same surface"?

"On the same plane" is suitable when emphasizing the flatness or alignment of objects. "On the same surface" is better when there's a physical interaction or contact involved.