On
'On' is a preposition that has many functions, such as expressing time, place, and manner. In this lesson, we will examine it in detail.
The preposition on is used before nouns or noun phrases to show three functions. It is also an adverb as well.
Functions of 'On'
1. 'On' as a Preposition of Time
Use
On as the preposition of time is used to indicate a specific day. That can be specific days of the week, specific dates, holidays, or festivals that last only one day. Look:
- On is used before the days of the week. For example:
I work
I have French classes
- On is used to indicate specific dates. For example:
I was born
Remember that for unspecific dates we use 'in' like 'in April, in 1995.'
- On is used before festivals or holidays that are only one-day long. For example:
We have a party
Remember that for longer holidays we use 'in' like 'in Christmas.'
Position in a Sentence
On as the preposition of time comes before a noun or a noun phrase that shows a particular time. As a result, the noun after the preposition is called the object of a preposition. Remember that determiners are often used after the preposition of time on. For example:
I have French classes
I bake a cake
2. 'On' as a Preposition of Place
Use
On as the preposition of place is used to show the location of something regarding a horizontal or vertical position. Here are its uses in detail:
- On is used for a floor in a building. Like:
I live
- On is used to show the speaker's location regrading a public transport vehicle. Note that bicycle also takes on, such as:
I'm
I take a short trip to Beln
- On is used before roads, streets, rivers, oceans, and lakes. Look:
She is
The duckling is sliding
- On is used to indicate something is attached to something else. Look:
Look at that ring
- On is also used to show something has a physical contact on a horizontal position. For example:
There is a book
Tip
Regarding 'boat', we use in if it is small and on if it is big.
Position in a Sentence
On as the preposition of place is used before nouns. Remember that determiners are often used after the preposition of place on. Look:
I take a short trip to Beln
I live
3. 'On' as a Preposition of Manner
Use
On as the preposition of manner is used to show how something is done. For example:
I came here
'On foot' shows how the speaker came.
Can I work on my essay
Position in a Sentence
On as the preposition of manner is used before nouns or noun phrases and makes a prepositional phrase that acts as an adverb. Look:
I came here
'On foot' is a prepositional phrase acting like an adverb for the verb 'came.'
4. 'On' as an Adverb
Use
On as an adverb of manner is used after verbs to show how an action is performed. It can be used in different cases:
- On is used to show continuity. For example:
Read
He worked
- On is used with electrical devices or appliances to mean they are working or operating. For example:
Turn this TV
This blender is still
- On is used to show a condition is being scheduled or decided. Look:
There is a party
Position in a Sentence
On as an adverb is used after verbs to modify them. For example:
There is a party
Turn this TV
'On' modifies the verb 'turn.'
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