on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context in which it is used.
You can use it to indicate a position, a state, or a condition related to something. Example: "The book is on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They got on well.

The Guardian

What was going on?

The New York Times

What is going on?

The New York Times

It was difficult to continue with competing but I tried to carry on".

The Guardian

North Korea's recent test-firing of a ballistic missile from a submarine was "very serious and concerning", South Korea said on Monday, with one defence official suggesting Pyongyang could have a fully operational platform in two or three years.

The Guardian

"I've read a series of glowing references on behalf of every one of you.

The Guardian

What is going on here?

The New York Times

On the contrary.

The New York Times

Shame on me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

David, if you think this election is about leadership, then debate me one on one.

The Guardian

Properly implemented strong crypto systems are one of the few things that you can rely on.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on" to indicate a date, remember to specify the day of the week. For example, "I'll see you on Monday."

Common error

Avoid using "on" when "onto" is more appropriate. "Onto" implies movement to a surface, while "on" indicates a static position. For example, use "He jumped onto the table" instead of "He jumped on the table" if you want to show the movement.

Linguistic Context

The word "on" serves multiple grammatical functions, acting as a preposition, adverb, verb, or adjective. Its primary function is to indicate location, time, or a state of being, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples. The versatility of "on" allows it to connect ideas and provide essential contextual information in various sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "on" is a multifaceted term in the English language, functioning as a preposition, adverb, verb, and adjective. Its prevalence is evident in various contexts, particularly in news and media sources. As Ludwig AI points out, "on" effectively indicates location, time, state, or condition, rendering it an indispensable tool in both formal and informal communication. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate between "on" and "onto", and the choice of alternative prepositions such as "upon" or "at" depends heavily on the specific context. Mastering the usage of "on" enhances clarity and precision in writing, making it an invaluable asset for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon

A more formal alternative, often used in writing.

at

Specifies a location or time.

in operation

Describes the state of being active or functioning.

functioning

Emphasizes the working condition of something.

about

Indicates the subject matter or topic.

concerning

A more formal way to indicate the subject matter.

regarding

Similar to concerning, but may imply a more specific focus.

supported by

Indicates physical or conceptual support.

paid by

Indicates who is responsible for payment.

carried by

Indicates possession or transport.

FAQs

How can I use "on" as an adverb?

As an adverb, "on" typically indicates continuation or direction. For example, "Carry "carry on"" means to continue doing something, and "The light is "the light is on"" means the light is in an operating state.

What prepositions can I use instead of "on"?

Depending on the context, you can use prepositions like "upon", "at", "about", or "concerning" instead of "on". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "based in" or "based on"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "Based in" refers to a location, while "based "based on"" refers to a foundation or source of information.

How does the meaning of "on" change with different verbs?

The meaning of "on" varies widely depending on the verb it accompanies. For example, "rely "rely on"" means to depend on, while "turn "turn on"" means to activate. The specific meaning must be inferred from the context.