Word
on
Definitions
01location or surface
A1 · Beginner
prep. touching the top or side of a surface.
prep. indicating a position in physical contact with and supported by a surface.
“He left his phone on the kitchen table while he went to get his keys.”
“The delicate porcelain vase sat precariously on the edge of the mantelpiece, vibrating slightly every time a heavy truck passed the house.”
Pitfall
The book is in the table.
The book is on the table.
Use 'on' for surfaces; 'in' is for things inside a container or 3D space.
02days and dates
A1 · Beginner
prep. used to show the day or date when something happens.
prep. indicating a specific day or calendar date.
“The party is on Saturday evening, so I hope you can come.”
“The treaty was officially signed on the twelfth of October, marking the end of nearly a decade of border disputes.”
Usage
Always used before specific days of the week or calendar dates.
Pitfall
I will see you in Monday.
I will see you on Monday.
Use 'on' for specific days and dates; use 'in' for months, years, or seasons.
03about a subject
B1 · Intermediate
prep. about or concerning a specific topic.
prep. concerning or dealing with a particular subject or area of study.
“She is writing a report on the history of the local park.”
“The professor published a definitive monograph on the migration patterns of Arctic terns, drawing from twenty years of field data.”
Teaching tip
'On' is often used for more formal or academic topics compared to 'about'.
Synonyms
04using a device
A2 · Elementary
prep. using a machine, tool, or system like a phone or computer.
prep. indicating the medium or instrument used to perform an action or transmit information.
“I spent all morning on the computer trying to finish my homework.”
“The news was first broadcast on the radio before being picked up by major television networks an hour later.”
05working or active
A1 · Beginner
adv. in a state where a machine or light is working or providing power.
adv. indicating a state of being functional, operating, or switched to an active mode.
“Is the heating on? It feels very cold in here.”
“The emergency lights came on automatically as soon as the main power grid failed during the storm.”
Usage
Often follows the verb 'to be' or functions as a particle in phrasal verbs like 'turn on'.
Antonyms
06continuing
B1 · Intermediate
adv. continuing an action without stopping.
adv. indicating the continuation or progression of an action.
“They walked on for another mile despite the heavy rain.”
“The speaker droned on for nearly two hours, oblivious to the fact that half the audience had already left the hall.”
Usage
Commonly used with verbs of motion or duration like 'walk on' or 'go on'.
07happening as planned
B1 · Intermediate
adj. happening or taking place as scheduled.
adj. occurring or taking place; often used to describe events or performances.
“The festival is still on, even though it might rain later today.”
“Despite the sudden resignation of the lead actor, the director insisted that the opening night performance was still on.”
Usage
Usually functions as a predicative adjective after the verb 'to be'.
Antonyms
08acceptable
B2 · Upper Intermediate British English · Informal
adj. fair or acceptable to do.
adj. appropriate, acceptable, or fair in a social or competitive context.
“Asking me to work through my lunch break is just not on.”
“The committee decided that such a blatant conflict of interest was simply not on, and they demanded a full investigation.”
Teaching tip
Commonly used in the negative ('it's just not on') to describe unfair behaviour.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “on” in context.
Related words
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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