on your person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on your person" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to items or belongings that someone is carrying or has with them physically. Example: "Make sure you have your identification on your person before entering the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Keep a list of emergency numbers handy, preferably two, one on your person and the other by the phone.

WikiHow

Having a one-time pad on your person may be suspicious if you are arrested or captured.

WikiHow

Because it's one thing to own an iPhone; it's another entirely to put it on your person.

The Guardian - Opinion

When possible, keep your devices nearby or on your person.

Cornell University

There is a level-headedness that comes with repeatedly having another's effluvia on your person.

The Guardian - Opinion

Morales pointed out Rankin was left with "no marks on your face" and "no marks on your person".

The Guardian

Simply placing the car in drive with the key somewhere on your person kickstarts the car into life.

The Guardian

We call these devices 'pico siblings', and you would have a number of them on your person.

The Guardian - Tech

You are forbidden to use intoxicating beverages while on duty or to have such beverages on your person.

Cornell University

If you keep your iPhone on your person at all times, this really isn't an issue.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I've written before that smartwatches could represent a frontier of smartness-on-your-person.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When traveling, use "on your person" to emphasize the importance of keeping essential documents and valuables secure and accessible.

Common error

Avoid using "on your person" in highly informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "with you" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on your person" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig, it indicates the location of an object or item being carried or possessed by someone. Examples illustrate its use in contexts related to security, travel, and legal situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

32%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on your person" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates something is being carried or kept close by an individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, from travel and security to legal and general advice. Its slightly formal tone makes it suitable for news articles, academic papers, and general writing. Alternatives like "in your possession" or "with you" can be used in more informal settings. The phrase emphasizes the importance of physical proximity and possession, especially when dealing with valuables or essential documents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in your possession

Focuses on ownership and control, implying that the item is under your authority and available for use.

about your person

A slightly more formal variation of "on your person", carrying the same meaning.

with you

A simple and direct way of saying that something is currently in your company or available to you.

carrying

Emphasizes the act of transporting something, often physically.

in your keeping

Suggests safekeeping and responsibility for the item.

on your body

More specific, indicating the item is attached to or worn on your body.

at your side

Implies closeness and constant availability.

close to you

Indicates physical proximity and accessibility.

in your bag

Specifies the item is inside a bag you are carrying.

within reach

Highlights the ease of access to the item.

FAQs

What does "on your person" mean?

The phrase "on your person" refers to something that you are carrying or have with you physically. It implies that the item is on your body or very close to you.

When is it appropriate to use "on your person"?

It is appropriate to use "on your person" when you want to emphasize that something should be kept close and accessible, especially valuables or important documents while traveling or in situations where security is a concern.

What can I say instead of "on your person"?

You can use alternatives like "in your possession", "with you", or "carrying" depending on the context.

Is "on your person" formal or informal?

The phrase "on your person" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very casual settings, "with you" might be more appropriate.