on the scene

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the scene" is acceptable and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a physical presence at an event or activity. For example: "Within minutes of the accident, emergency personnel were on the scene helping the injured."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one else is on the scene".

The New York Times

Astor arrives on the scene.

The New Yorker

He died on the scene.

The New Yorker

Police arrested her on the scene.

The New York Times

Israeli forensic experts descended on the scene.

The New York Times

"The English are back on the scene".

The New York Times

He was the first on the scene.

The New Yorker

They looked on the scene with horror.

The Guardian

Next on the scene is the Marschallin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Davis arrived on the scene that evening.

The New Yorker

(General McCaffrey was not on the scene).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the scene" to vividly convey immediate presence and involvement at a particular event or location, especially in contexts where timeliness and direct observation are important.

Common error

Avoid using "on the scene" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the scene" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate location and presence. This is supported by Ludwig AI confirming its correct usage. The examples provided show it describing where actions occur or where people are located.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the scene" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial, typically used to indicate presence and often involvement at a specific location or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While prevalent in neutral contexts like news reports, it is less common in formal academic writing. Alternatives such as "at the location" or "present at the event" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use "on the scene" to add immediacy and vividness to your writing, highlighting direct presence and observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the site

Similar to "at the location", but implies a place of importance or activity.

at the location

Focuses specifically on the physical place, omitting the sense of action or involvement.

present at the event

Highlights attendance at a specific event, removing the immediacy implied by "scene".

on hand

Implies readiness and availability to assist.

in attendance

More formal way of saying present.

in place

Suggests readiness for a specific purpose or task.

available there

Emphasizes availability at a certain location.

in the area

Describes a general presence in the vicinity, less precise than "on the scene".

there

Simplest expression of presence.

witnessing the event

Focuses on the act of observing an occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "on the scene" to indicate someone or something is present and actively involved at a particular location or event. For instance, "The police were "on the scene" within minutes of the accident".

What does "on the scene" mean?

"On the scene" generally means being present at a particular location, especially when something important or noteworthy is happening.

Which is more appropriate, "at the scene" or "on the scene"?

Both "at the scene" and "on the scene" are acceptable, but "on the scene" often implies a more active involvement or immediate presence. "At the scene" is more general.

What can I say instead of "on the scene"?

Alternatives include "at the location", "at the site", or "present at the event", depending on the specific context.