How to use "into" and "onto" in sentences ? Can we use "onto" in any sense while talking of people and if yes, how ? Do these two quoted words have a common usage anywhere ?
asked Sep 4, 2014 at 9:37
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3In the future, a question like this one is probably better suited for English Language Learners.– J.R.Commented Sep 4, 2014 at 10:02
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3 Answers
The meanings of the words are quite separate, where the primary difference is that "onto" denotes external whereas "into" is internal.
Therefore, it's socially acceptable to put a hat onto someone's head but if you were to try and put it into their head, I'm sure they would object.
Not as far as I have ever heard or seen. "Into" is used in the context of, say, walking into something like a building or room. "Onto" is used in the context of placing things or people on other things such as tables, etc.
Ie. I walked into the bar and placed my bag onto the counter.
Hope that helps...
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RE: "Into" is used in the context of, say, walking into something like a building or room – don't read too much into that.– J.R.Commented Sep 4, 2014 at 9:58
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@J.R., by “don't read too much into that” do you mean “I don't understand that”, or “I don't agree”, or what? Commented Sep 4, 2014 at 16:23
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Madeleine, “placed my bag onto the counter” is less-natural English than “placed my bag on the counter” Commented Sep 4, 2014 at 16:24
If someone really enjoys something (as a fan, enthusiast, or active participant), you could say that person is into it:
- He is really into ice hockey.
- My wife is really into gardening.
Onto can be used to say someone is catching on mentally, or has a good idea:
- You think the butler may have done it? I think you may be onto something there.
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This answer deserves more attention. Into and onto also apply to abstract concepts where you're not dealing with physical objects that you can visualize. This is most of the time what people truly struggle with. Commented Feb 1, 2021 at 1:23