on the window

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the window" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: "The sun shone brightly through the open window, casting a warm light on the window sill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Put one on the window that says, "Window".

WikiHow

She knocked on the window of one of the cars.

The New York Times - Magazine

Caperton cooled his forehead on the window.

The New Yorker

Points of rain appeared on the window.

The New Yorker

Pressed her forehead on the window.

The New York Times - Magazine

be displayed on the window.

Yale University

I pounded on the window.

The New Yorker

I knock on the window.

The New Yorker

A knock on the window pane..

The Guardian - Books

"Just bang on the window," he said.

The New York Times

Butters smears his genitals on the window.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the window" to describe something physically in contact with the window's surface, such as condensation or a sticker.

Common error

Avoid using "on the window" when "in the window" is more appropriate. "In the window" suggests something is displayed inside or behind the glass, not merely touching it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the window" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating location or surface contact. Ludwig shows that it commonly describes the placement of objects or actions relative to a window.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

18%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the window" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate the location or surface contact of something with a window. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using "on the window", it's important to distinguish its meaning from similar phrases like "in the window", which implies something inside or behind the window. Remembering this distinction ensures accurate and effective communication. Alternatives like "at the window" or "against the window" can offer subtle differences in meaning, depending on the specific context. This makes "on the window" a powerful and frequently utilized tool in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the window

Replaces "on" with "at", suggesting a more general location near the window.

against the window

Indicates something is pressing or leaning against the window's surface.

upon the window

A more formal alternative to "on the window", implying contact or placement.

by the window

Indicates proximity to the window rather than being directly on it.

near the window

Similar to "by the window", suggesting a location in the vicinity of the window.

in the window

Implies something is inside the window frame or display.

across the window

Suggests movement or placement extending from one side of the window to the other.

over the window

Implies something is positioned above and possibly covering the window.

covering the window

Specifically describes something that is blocking or concealing the window.

stuck to the window

Indicates something is adhered or attached to the window surface.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the window" to describe the location of something. For example, "There's a bird sitting "on the window" sill" or "Raindrops are falling "on the window".

What's the difference between "on the window" and "in the window"?

"On the window" typically means something is physically touching the surface of the window. "In the window" usually means something is displayed or located inside or behind the window glass.

Are there any synonyms for "on the window"?

While there aren't direct synonyms, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at the window", "against the window", or "by the window" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "on the window"?

It would be incorrect to use "on the window" if you mean something is inside or behind the window. In that case, "in the window" would be more accurate.