on
- 01 A1 Beginner
prep.touching the top or side of a surface.
prep.indicating a position in physical contact with and supported by a surface.
Simple“He left his phone on the kitchen table while he went to get his keys.”
In context“The delicate porcelain vase sat precariously on the edge of the mantelpiece, vibrating slightly every time a heavy truck passed the house.”
PitfallThe 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.
- 02 A1 Beginner
prep.used to show the day or date when something happens.
prep.indicating a specific day or calendar date.
Simple“The party is on Saturday evening, so I hope you can come.”
In context“The treaty was officially signed on the twelfth of October, marking the end of nearly a decade of border disputes.”
UsageAlways used before specific days of the week or calendar dates.
PitfallI 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.
- 03 B1 Intermediate
prep.about or concerning a specific topic.
prep.concerning or dealing with a particular subject or area of study.
Simple“She is writing a report on the history of the local park.”
In context“The professor published a definitive monograph on the migration patterns of Arctic terns, drawing from twenty years of field data.”
Teacher's tip'On' is often used for more formal or academic topics compared to 'about'.
Synonyms - 04 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.
Simple“I spent all morning on the computer trying to finish my homework.”
In context“The news was first broadcast on the radio before being picked up by major television networks an hour later.”
- 05 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.
Simple“Is the heating on? It feels very cold in here.”
In context“The emergency lights came on automatically as soon as the main power grid failed during the storm.”
UsageOften follows the verb 'to be' or functions as a particle in phrasal verbs like 'turn on'.
- 06 B1 Intermediate
adv.continuing an action without stopping.
adv.indicating the continuation or progression of an action.
Simple“They walked on for another mile despite the heavy rain.”
In context“The speaker droned on for nearly two hours, oblivious to the fact that half the audience had already left the hall.”
UsageCommonly used with verbs of motion or duration like 'walk on' or 'go on'.
- 07 B1 Intermediate
adj.happening or taking place as scheduled.
adj.occurring or taking place; often used to describe events or performances.
Simple“The festival is still on, even though it might rain later today.”
In context“Despite the sudden resignation of the lead actor, the director insisted that the opening night performance was still on.”
UsageUsually functions as a predicative adjective after the verb 'to be'.
- 08 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.fair or acceptable to do.
adj.appropriate, acceptable, or fair in a social or competitive context.
Simple“Asking me to work through my lunch break is just not on.”
In context“The committee decided that such a blatant conflict of interest was simply not on, and they demanded a full investigation.”
Teacher's tipCommonly used in the negative ('it's just not on') to describe unfair behaviour.
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage dependence on · effect on · focus on