on their door

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on their door" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is physically located on the surface of a door, or metaphorically to indicate a presence or invitation related to someone's home or office. Example: "The sign that read 'Welcome' was beautifully painted on their door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

If I felt it wasn't safe, I'd be the first one knocking on their door.

The New York Times

I had this horrible feeling because the cops knocked on their door and no one answered".

The New York Times

On an early Wednesday visit to the Sharma home, no one responded to a few initial knocks on their door.

The New York Times

Knock on their door?

Independent

"I remind them of that knock on their door".

The New York Times

One day a stranger knocked on their door.

The Guardian - Books

The sign on their door reads "Center for Neuropsychological Services".

The New York Times

Perhaps I'll knock on their door and introduce myself.

The New York Times

He knocked on their door carrying cans and fruit and meat.

The New Yorker

One day someone drew a swastika on their door in the dorm.

The New Yorker

So she warded off the cleaning lady, posting a sign on their door: "Monkey Cage".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "on their door" to vividly depict direct interaction or immediate proximity, such as when describing someone knocking or posting a notice.

Common error

Avoid using "at their door" when you specifically mean something is affixed or directly related to the door's surface; "on their door" is more precise in such cases. For example: the correct phrase is "a sign on their door" not "a sign at their door".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on their door" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to specify location or manner. It indicates something is physically located on a door. As Ludwig examples show, it can also function metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on their door" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate something is physically located on someone's door or to metaphorically represent opportunities or unwelcome events arriving. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, remember that 'on' specifies something directly affixed to the door, as opposed to 'at', which indicates a general vicinity. Using alternatives like "at their doorstep" or "at their entrance" can provide nuanced meanings based on the context. The phrase's versatility and frequent appearance in diverse sources demonstrate its enduring relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at their doorstep

Indicates something is immediately available or happening very close to someone's home.

knocking at their gate

Implies an impending arrival or approach of something significant or impactful.

ringing their bell

Suggests an attempt to get someone's attention or initiate contact at their residence.

at their threshold

Emphasizes being at the entrance or beginning of something, such as a new opportunity.

at their entry

Focuses on the location of something at the point of access to a building or space.

outside their residence

Describes being located in the immediate vicinity of where someone lives.

approaching their home

Highlights the act of moving closer to someone's dwelling.

at their building's entrance

Specifies the location as being at the main access point of their apartment or office building.

visiting their place

Indicates the action of going to see someone at their home.

coming to their house

Describes the act of arriving or intending to arrive at someone's house.

FAQs

How can I use "on their door" in a sentence?

You can use "on their door" to describe something physically placed on a door, like "There was a 'Do Not Disturb' sign "on their door"", or metaphorically, as in "Opportunity was knocking "on their door"".

What are some alternatives to saying "on their door"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "at their doorstep", "at their entrance", or "at their threshold".

Is it grammatically correct to say "on their door"?

Yes, "on their door" is grammatically correct and widely used. Ludwig AI confirms its validity based on numerous real-world examples.

When should I use "on their door" versus "at their door"?

"On their door" implies something is physically attached to or present on the surface of the door. "At their door" suggests something is simply located near the door. For example, a wreath would be on the door, while a package might be at the door.