toss onto

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "toss onto" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing the action of throwing or flipping something onto a surface or object. Here is an example: I watched as the chef tossed onto the grill a handful of fresh vegetables, sizzling and flavorful.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Some stores sell calcium chloride pucks that you can toss onto the roof to melt that ice.

The New York Times

Two balls later Broad spears a full toss onto Smith's pads, and he works it away for four.

The Guardian - Sport

When you're ready to grill, just tear off walnut- to golf-ball-size pieces, roll them out with a little flour (if you have a tortilla press handy, it would speed things up a bit) and toss onto the grill.

The New York Times

A melt sock is appealing in the way it resonates with coziness; in fact, it is a nylon sock filled with snow-melting crystals that you can toss onto your roof.

The New York Times

Apart from paying dividends that average a tad under 4 percent — not nearly as juicy as they were last spring but still twice that of the S.& P. 500 — many publicly traded REITs are planning to scoop up distressed properties that banks and other lenders are expected to toss onto the market.

The New York Times

Look for cold-pressed hempseed oil for salad dressing, a plant-based protein that contains hemp for smoothies (such as Vega One), and hempseeds to toss onto salads and into smoothies.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Broad, excited by that, overcompensates next ball, spearing a low full-toss onto the pads; Dravid does the necessary without thinking, flipping it through midwicket.

The Guardian - Sport

Castellano was tossed onto the grass softened by a rainstorm.

The New York Times - Sports

Beer cans had been tossed onto the road.

The New York Times - Travel

Winter forest: a silvery fur tossed onto the shoulders of the terrain".

The Economist

Another cuts them into planks, which his mate tosses onto a rising stack.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "toss onto" when you want to convey a casual, often quick, action of placing something on a surface. For instance, "toss the salad onto the plate" suggests a swift and effortless transfer.

Common error

Avoid using "toss onto" in formal writing where a more precise or deliberate action is implied. Opt for terms like "place upon" or "carefully position" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "toss onto" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the action of lightly throwing something onto a surface. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes a casual and often quick movement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "toss onto" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the action of lightly throwing something onto a surface. As indicated by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news and media sources. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "place upon" in professional or academic settings. When used appropriately, "toss onto" effectively conveys a sense of casual and effortless placement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Flip onto

Suggests a quick, rotating motion while placing something.

Lay on

Implies a gentle placement with more precision.

Place upon

A more formal and deliberate way of saying "toss onto".

Lob onto

Implies throwing something with a high arc.

Cast upon

A more literary or figurative way to express placing something.

Throw over

Implies a less precise or controlled placement.

Heave onto

Implies lifting something heavy and then placing it.

Scatter across

Suggests distributing multiple items loosely.

Shovel onto

Suggests moving a quantity of something with a tool.

Fling on

Suggests throwing something with great force or abandon.

FAQs

How can I use "toss onto" in a sentence?

You can use "toss onto" to describe a quick or casual action of placing something on a surface. For example, "She tossed the keys onto the table" or "He tossed the laundry onto the bed".

What are some alternatives to "toss onto"?

Alternatives to "toss onto" include "place upon", "throw over", or "lay on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "toss onto" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "toss onto" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "place upon" or "set on" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "toss onto" and "throw onto"?

"Toss onto" typically implies a gentler, less forceful action than "throw onto". "Throw onto" suggests a more forceful or haphazard placement, while "toss onto" suggests a lighter, quicker action.