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 on Friday this week.

I have French classes on Tuesday.

On is used to indicate specific dates. For example:

I was born on April 18th.

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 on the Independence Day.

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 on Tuesday.

I bake a cake on my birthday.

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 the first floor.

On is used to show the speaker's location regrading a public transport vehicle. Note that bicycle also takes on, such as:

I'm on the train.

I take a short trip to Beln on bus.

On is used before roads, streets, rivers, oceans, and lakes. Look:

She is on the sea.

The duckling is sliding on the frozen lake.

On is used to indicate something is attached to something else. Look:

Look at that ring on her finger.

On is also used to show something has a physical contact on a horizontal position. For example:

There is a book on the table.

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 on bus.

I live on the first floor.

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.

'On foot' shows how the speaker came.

Can I work on my essay on your laptop?

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.

'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 on please.

He worked on with his sister.

On is used with electrical devices or appliances to mean they are working or operating. For example:

Turn this TV on.

This blender is still on.

On is used to show a condition is being scheduled or decided. Look:

There is a party on tonight.

Position in a Sentence

On as an adverb is used after verbs to modify them. For example:

There is a party on tonight.

Turn this TV on.

'On' modifies the verb 'turn.'

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