ENGLISH
REFERENCE

on the wall

prep. phr..
A2 Elementary Oxford

prep. phr.. Describes something that is attached to or hanging from the vertical side of a room, like a picture or a clock.

prep. phr.. A prepositional phrase indicating that an object is affixed to, hanging from, or positioned against a vertical surface.


SIMPLE

The clock is on the wall.

CONTEXTUAL

We hung our family photos on the wall in the hallway.

COMPLEX

Intricate tapestries depicting historical battles were hung on the wall, lending an air of solemn grandeur to the great hall.

Usage

Used for objects attached to a vertical surface, not for things simply touching it from the floor.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'at the wall' (proximity) and 'against the wall' (support/touching from the ground); 'on the wall' implies suspension or attachment.

Pitfall

The picture is in the wall.The picture is on the wall.Use 'on' for surfaces and 'in' for enclosed spaces; a wall is treated as a surface.

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