on your desk

USAGE SUMMARY

"on your desk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a specific item on someone's desk. For example, "Please leave that file on your desk for me to pick up later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

O.K., what's on your desk?

The New York Times

Part of it may even be on your desk.

The Economist

Your computer is the screen on your desk.

The New York Times - Tech

To a glass pyramid that will hover on your desk.

The New York Times

"Wouldn't you think it would go on your desk?

The New Yorker

And, again, I am sorry for vomiting on your desk.

The New Yorker

A few may even snoop through documents on your desk.

The New York Times

There's very little other than tulle on your desk.

The New York Times

Have a place on your desk for bills.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You won't have to have five screens on your desk".

The New York Times

Nothing on your desk tells you what to do".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on your desk" to clearly indicate the location of an item when giving instructions or describing a scene. For example, "Please leave the report "on your desk" when you're done reviewing it."

Common error

Avoid using "on your desk" in overly formal or abstract contexts where a more general term like "in your office" or "at your workspace" would be more suitable. Overusing the phrase can sound repetitive or overly specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on your desk" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the location of something. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to specify where an item should be placed or where it is currently situated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on your desk" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to specify the location of an object on someone's desk. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and applicable across various contexts, predominantly in news, media, and general communication. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required; in some situations, alternatives like "upon your desk" or "at your workstation" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of whether the object is on the surface of the desk versus inside it (e.g., in a drawer), as this dictates whether "on" or "in" is the correct preposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right on your desk

Emphasizes the exact location being the desk

upon your desk

Uses a more formal preposition ("upon" instead of "on") to indicate placement.

atop your desk

Similar to "upon", but slightly less formal, indicating placement on top of the desk.

at your workstation

Replaces "desk" with "workstation", implying a more formal or professional setting.

placed on your desk

Highlights the action of putting something on the desk.

on the surface of your desk

Adds specificity to the location, emphasizing the desk's surface.

lying on your desk

Specifies the state of being, suggesting something is placed horizontally.

sitting on your desk

Specifies the state of being, suggesting something is placed vertically.

within reach on your desk

Emphasizes the accessibility of something on the desk.

in your desk's vicinity

Indicates a general area near the desk rather than directly on it.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on your desk" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "upon your desk" or "at your workstation". The choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

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

"On your desk" refers to something physically located on the surface of your desk. "At your desk" refers to your general location or workspace. For example, "I left the keys "on your desk"" indicates placement, while "I will meet you "at your desk"" indicates a meeting location.

Is it correct to say "in your desk" instead of "on your desk"?

Using "in your desk" implies the item is inside the desk, such as in a drawer. "On your desk" means it's on the surface. The correct preposition depends on the actual location of the item.

What are some alternatives to "on your desk" for casual conversation?

In casual conversation, you might say "right on your desk", "sitting on your desk", or simply "on your desk". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.