on the desk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the desk" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe the location of something, like in the sentence: "There was a pile of books on the desk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Til I need help jumping on the desk.

Huffington Post

The one that you left on the desk.

BBC

Hot chocolate on the desk.

The New Yorker

The dock stays on the desk.

The New York Times

In the skull kept on the desk.

The New Yorker

(Replicas still sit on the desk).

The New York Times

I lay my head on the desk.

The New Yorker

HO: Room on the desk..

Stanford University

Put it on the desk.

The New York Times

Behold the ringing telephone on the desk.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The bill is on the desk of Gov. Mary Fallin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the desk" to clearly indicate the position of an object. Ensure the context makes it clear which desk you are referring to if there are multiple desks present.

Common error

Avoid using "on the desk" without specifying whose desk or which desk is being referenced, especially in contexts where multiple desks are present. This prevents confusion and ensures clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the desk" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in specifying where something is situated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the desk" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify the location of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its frequency is high, appearing across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Wiki. While simple, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying which desk is being referenced, especially in scenarios involving multiple desks. Alternatives like "atop the desk" or "at the desk" can provide slightly different nuances. In summary, "on the desk" serves as a straightforward and effective way to indicate an object's position on a desk.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atop the desk

Uses a more formal preposition to indicate placement.

on top of the desk

Adds emphasis to the position.

upon the desk

A more archaic and formal way of saying "on the desk".

at the desk

Indicates proximity to the desk rather than direct placement.

resting on the desk

Specifies the action of something being placed on the desk.

located on the desk

Highlights the position of something.

placed on the desk

Emphasizes the act of putting something on the desk.

sitting on the desk

Describes something that is currently in a seated position on the desk.

left on the desk

Implies that something was abandoned or forgotten on the desk.

scattered on the desk

Describes items spread randomly over the desk's surface.

FAQs

How can I use "on the desk" in a sentence?

Use "on the desk" to specify the location of an object. For example, "The keys are "on the desk"."

What are some alternatives to saying "on the desk"?

Alternatives include "atop the desk", "on top of the desk", or "at the desk", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "on the desk"?

The phrase itself is grammatically sound. However, it could be confusing if the context doesn't clearly specify which desk is being referenced.

What is the difference between "on the desk" and "at the desk"?

"On the desk" indicates that something is physically positioned on the surface of the desk. "At the desk" suggests proximity to the desk, not necessarily direct contact.