Prepositions are words that are used in statements to indicate where the noun or pronoun is in relation to the other elements in the clause. These are words that show the relationship between them and the other elements in the claim or indicate location.
Prepositions like ‘in’ and ‘on’ are frequently misunderstood by English speakers. As well as when you are using it in a phrase or sentence like “I am in” and “I am on”.
If you want to know the difference between the two, how and when you’re going to use them, I got you! This article will cover everything you need to know.
Let’s begin!
Where do we use “In”?
You use the preposition ‘in’ is in phrases to describe something that is included has physical or virtual bounds or surrounded by something else.
The following points will help you comprehend the meaning of ‘in’:
When something is contained within or enclosed by another object or area.
- Drew is walking in the park.
- Kae studies at St. Bridget College.
- Bren is among the top cook in Dubai.
- What was there in your bag?
You can use it to indicate anything.
- Do not place all of your eggs in a single basket.
It could be a part of a bigger number or something else entirely.
- Ivy played the protagonist in ‘Ultimas’.
- Marco has been working in an American company for ten years.
You can use it to represent the passage of time.
- This is the second time I’m going to Paris, in 3 years.
- This book was published in 1991.
You can apply it to various times throughout the day.
- I’ll take the meeting in the morning.
- This rule has one exception, which we use ‘at night’ and not ‘in the night’.
You can also apply to not exceeding the time limit:
- The principal will arrive in two hours.
- Can you finish the proposal in four days?
- I’m sure that I can deliver the goods in thirty minutes.
You can use it when describing a feeling or experience:
- I fell in love with you every day.
- I was in a hurry because I’m late.
When something is done to express something as a result of another event:
- She gave me a coin in return for my present.
What do you mean by “I am in”?
When you say I am in it means that you are included/involved in something. Now that I define the preposition ‘in’ and its usage, let’s use the phrase ‘I am in’ in a sentence. Here’s how you can use it:
- I am in the bathroom.
- I am in a hurry so that I can have the bus.
- I am in the gym when an accident happens.
If you’re interested to know the difference between “In” and “On”, then check out this article.
Where do we use “On”?
The preposition ‘on’ denotes a situation in which something is physically in contact with or supported by something else. Let’s look at some examples of when to use ‘on’ in sentences:
To depict anything that is put above and in contact with it:
- Your pad is on the top of the cabinet.
- That man tried to suicide on the bridge.
To demonstrate a connection to something
- The big painting on the wall cost roughly $1000.
Days, dates, and special days are used to represent time.
- My birthday is on the 8th of September.
- The mass will be held on Sunday.
To depict a process:
- They are on their way to Thailand.
- Luna is on leave this week, due to her medical condition.
When you relate something
- Kia published a novel on hopes and justice.
- Do you believe your poem has made an impression on them?
What do you mean by”I am on”?
When you say I am on it means that you actually/bodily have physical contact with something. Now that we define the preposition ‘on’ and its usage, let’s use the phrase ‘I am in’ in a sentence. Here’s how you can use it:
- I am on top of the world.
- I am on my way.
- I am on vacation for one week.
What’s the difference between ‘in’ and ‘on’?
Prepositions like in and on are used to indicate location, among many other things. There are a few simple guidelines to follow when deciding between in and on for location, while there are some exceptions. One of the exceptions is the phrase “riding on the bus,”. Now, let’s review the rules.
The preposition ‘in’
When anything is inside a designated space, you use this expression. It could be a two-dimensional space, such as a yard, or a three-dimensional space, such as a box, house, or automobile. It’s not necessary to close the area on all sides.
The preposition ‘on’
Whenever something touches the surface of something, you use on. This could be an up or down surface, such as a floor or a seashore. The word “on” is sometimes used to describe the surfaces of bodily parts.
Is it ‘I am on the street’ or ‘I am in the street’?
What does ‘on the street’ mean?
The phrase “on the street” refers to a specific location. “On” is usually used when relating to anything you can sit/stand on top of, which partially explains that we walk along streets.
What does ‘in the street’ mean?
“In the street” refers to the intersection of two streets. This usually refers to what’s in the middle of a street, commonly a road, where someone will be doing something.
In most circumstances, the terms “in the street” and “on the street” are not interchangeable. When we refer to a house constructed exactly in the middle of a walled street, their meanings may overlap.
When referring to a physical location, “I am on the street” is valid. We are literally standing “on” the street, which means “above.” “I am on the street” only applies when you are standing in the middle of a street.
Comparison Table
| In | On | |
| Definition | The preposition ‘in’ is widely used to indicate that something is encompassed or surrounded by something else. | The preposition ‘on’ denotes a scenario in which something is placed over something else. |
| By time usage | Months, Years, Seasons, Decades, and Centuries are all numbered. | Special Occasions, Days, and Dates |
| By place usage | Town, city, state, and nation names | Names of Streets |
| Pronunciation | in | on |
| Example | I am in her room. | I am on my way. |
Final Thoughts
In short, to understand the difference between I am in and I am on, you must first understand their functions. Second, there are standards for using the terms in and on that must be well comprehended in order to employ them appropriately and effectively in sentences.
After knowing the differences between the two prepositions, you can be confident enough to use them whether in constructing sentences or verbally telling them.
When you understand every grammar rule, like what is discussed in this article, you become an efficient individual in writing personal writings, letters, emails, etc.