on the board

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the board" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific board or surface area where something has been written or placed. For example: "The teacher wrote the instructions on the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one on the board is talking.

Forbes

There is one woman on the board.

The New York Times

(Maloney remains on the board).

The New York Times - Magazine

List ideas on the board.

The New York Times

(She remains on the board).

The New York Times

He was on the board.

The New Yorker

Write brainstorming ideas on the board.

The New York Times

Colt McCoy is still on the board.

The New York Times

He wrote it on the board.

The New Yorker

He went out on the board.

The New York Times

(I am on the board of N.G.L.T.F).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the board" to refer to a group of directors, ensure the context clearly indicates this meaning. For physical boards, specify the type of board (e.g., whiteboard, surfboard) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "on the board" when you mean "on board" (meaning in agreement or part of a team). "On the board" typically refers to a physical surface or a governing body.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the board" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate location, state, or membership. As Ludwig AI shows, it can refer to physical surfaces like whiteboards or abstract entities like a board of directors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the board" is a versatile prepositional phrase with several common usages. According to Ludwig, it most frequently refers to membership in a board of directors or information displayed on a physical board. It's grammatically correct and widely used, carrying a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Common alternatives include "member of the board" or, in sports contexts, referring to available players. As Ludwig AI indicates, clarity is key to avoid misinterpretations, particularly distinguishing it from "on board". Overall, "on the board" is a valuable phrase to have in your linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a member of the board

Clearly indicates board membership.

part of the board

Specifies membership or affiliation with the board.

serving on the board

Emphasizes the action of being a board member and contributing to its activities.

on the governing body

Replaces "board" with a more formal term for a decision-making group.

part of the leadership

Shifts the focus to the leadership aspect of board membership.

before the committee

Indicates that a matter is presented for discussion or decision.

in the lineup

Used in sports contexts, referring to players available for selection.

still available

Indicates something remains a possibility or choice, often in selections or drafts.

being considered

Highlights that something is under evaluation or potential action.

under consideration

Similar to "being considered", but emphasizes the state of evaluation.

FAQs

How is "on the board" used in corporate governance?

In corporate governance, "on the board" refers to being a member of the board of directors, the group of people who oversee a company's activities and provide strategic direction. For example, "She has been "appointed to the board"".

What does "still on the board" mean in sports?

In sports, "still "on the board"" often means that a player is still available to be drafted or selected by a team. It implies that they haven't been chosen yet.

How can I use "on the board" in a classroom setting?

In a classroom, "on the board" often refers to information written on a chalkboard or whiteboard. For example, "Please copy the notes "on the board" into your notebooks."

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "on the board" of a company?

You could say someone is "a "member of the board"", "serving on the board", or "part of the "governing body"". These phrases all convey the same basic meaning with slight variations in formality and emphasis.