on air

USAGE SUMMARY

"on air" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is being broadcast on radio or television, or to refer to something that is being discussed or discussed in a live program. For example: "The radio station's new morning show will go on air tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

On air.

The Economist

I was on air.

The New York Times

We stop walking on air.

Independent

Ballets are written on air.

The New York Times - Arts

Even on air, Letterman was a flirt.

Independent

He could start walking on air".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Worst on-air moment?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On-Air Police Blotter Q.

The New York Times

Murrow's on-air career had begun adventitiously.

The New Yorker

For that little red "on-air".

Forbes

On-Air Host.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a scheduled broadcast, use "on air" to indicate the time of transmission. For example: "The show will be back "on air" next week."

Common error

Avoid using "on air" when you mean "in the air", which refers to something that is circulating or uncertain, such as rumors or feelings. "On air" specifically relates to broadcasting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on air" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate when something is being broadcast or occurring during a broadcast. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates a state of active transmission. Examples include "He's due "on air" at 7.30am" and "The show will be back "on air" next week."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on air" is a versatile expression primarily used to indicate that a broadcast is currently in progress, as supported by numerous examples found by Ludwig. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is important to differentiate it from similar sounding phrases such as "in the air". While most frequently found in news and media contexts, "on air" maintains a neutral register suitable for professional communication. When writing, ensure you use "on air" to precisely describe events happening during a live broadcast, as in "The reporter made a surprising announcement "on air"."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

live broadcast

Refers specifically to the act of broadcasting live, emphasizing the real-time aspect.

broadcasting live

Emphasizes the action of broadcasting in a live manner, differing slightly in structure.

currently broadcasting

Focuses on the present action of broadcasting, suitable when highlighting the ongoing nature of a transmission.

being aired

A more general term for broadcasting, applicable to both radio and television.

going live

Indicates the commencement of a live broadcast, often used as an announcement.

being televised

Specifically indicates that something is being broadcast on television.

actively broadcasting

Stresses the active nature of the broadcast, suitable when contrasting with pre-recorded content.

in real time

Highlights the immediacy of the broadcast, emphasizing that it is happening live without delay.

in transmission

Focuses on the process of sending out a signal, applicable to radio and television.

being transmitted

Highlights the technical aspect of sending out a broadcast signal.

FAQs

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

You can use "on air" to describe something being broadcast, like "The interview will be "on air" tomorrow morning" or to describe something that happened during a broadcast, such as "The host made a controversial statement "on air".

What does "on air" mean?

The phrase "on air" means that a radio or television program is currently being broadcast live.

What are some alternatives to saying "on air"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "live broadcast", "being televised", or "in real time".

Is it correct to say 'The program is on the air'?

Yes, it's correct. "The program is "on air"" means that the program is currently being broadcast.