a camera on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a camera on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a camera that is currently active or in operation, often in the context of surveillance or recording. Example: "The security system has a camera on the front porch to monitor any activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Everybody's got a camera on their phone".

The New York Times - Sports

They'll have a camera on the linesmen.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a camera on her, right?

The Guardian - Film

Security, a camera on the wall, is lax.

The New York Times

Every single moment had a camera on it.

The Guardian

Parreno has mounted a camera on the observation car.

The Guardian - Arts

It cannot link with a camera on a distant network.

The New York Times - Tech

"It's got a camera on it," I explain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Soon after he moved to Paris, he found a camera on the metro.

The New York Times - Magazine

In film, though, "when you put a camera on something, you're here and that's there".

The New Yorker

Turn a camera on them, and they will start to look unhappy in their own way.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific context of "a camera on". Ensure it accurately reflects whether the camera is in operation, being used for surveillance, or simply present.

Common error

Avoid using "a camera on" when you mean "a photo of". The phrase implies active usage or presence, not just a still image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a camera on" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating the presence or operation of a camera in a particular context. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a camera on" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the presence or operation of a camera. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the camera's active presence rather than a static image. Alternative phrasing, such as "camera focused on" or "under surveillance", may offer greater precision depending on the intended meaning. By understanding its nuances and common errors, writers can effectively use "a camera on" to convey their intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

camera focused on

Emphasizes the camera's direction and subject.

under camera surveillance

Highlights the aspect of being watched or monitored.

camera recording

Focuses on the active capturing of footage.

video camera in operation

Formal way to express a camera's functionality.

equipped with a camera

Highlights the possession of a camera.

from the camera's perspective

Shifts the focus to the viewpoint offered by the camera.

subject to camera observation

Highlights the act of observing using a camera.

using a mounted camera

Specifies the method of camera placement.

with a live camera feed

Focuses on the real-time aspect of the camera's output.

a surveillance camera active

Highlights the active status of a security camera.

FAQs

How can I use "a camera on" in a sentence?

Use "a camera on" to indicate the presence and likely operation of a camera, such as, "The store has "a camera on" each aisle for security."

What's a good substitute for "a camera on" when describing surveillance?

For surveillance contexts, consider using "under surveillance" or "being monitored by camera" for greater clarity.

Is it correct to say 'a camera on' when referring to an image?

No, using "a camera on" to refer to a still image is inaccurate. Instead, describe the content of the image or say "a photograph of".

How does 'camera focused on' differ from 'a camera on'?

"Camera focused on" specifies what the camera is pointed at, while "a camera on" simply indicates the camera's presence or general operation.