I was wondering if it is correct to use "on" meaning that something is on (inside) something else. For example:
There is a book on the drawer
If it is wrong, it is correct to use "in" instead?
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3 Answers
No, the preposition "on" indicates that something is on top of something else; this can be either physically or not.
On also indicates "with contact", unlike above that indicates "without contact", see for example:
- The book is on the table. [the book is actually touching the table]
- He placed the lamp above the table. [the lamp is not touching the table]
To indicate inside, simply use "in":
The book is in the drawer.
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what about on the train, on the bus, on the plane? all cases where "on" means "inside", no?– nohat ♦Sep 12, 2011 at 19:47
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Well, I think this answer and also this one are a good start to explain why we have those cases.– AlenannoSep 12, 2011 at 20:11
In this case, I do not believe that "on" and "in" can be used interchangably.
If someone said to me "There is a book on the drawer" I would be confused because drawers are usually inside something else (such as a desk or a dresser) and it's not normally possible to be on top of something like a drawer, unless the drawer is extended. Only if the drawer is extended would it make sense to say " on the drawer" and it would mean (to me) that the book was resting across the rims of the drawer, but not actually inside the drawer.
If someone said "There is a book in the drawer" I would immediately open the drawer to look for the book. There would be no confusion about what the sentence means.
answered Sep 12, 2011 at 16:16
FrustratedWithFormsDesignerFrustratedWithFormsDesigner
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Is it not possible to use drawer in order to describe the container by extension?– EldroßSep 12, 2011 at 16:20
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@Eldros: I don't think so. A dresser can contain many drawers, some are side-by-side, some are stacked vertically. To say "it is on the drawer" then creates ambiguity: Which drawer? If it is a large desk with many drawers beside each other, which drawer should I look above? Sep 12, 2011 at 16:27
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Alright, let's say that was some brainf*$t from me, due in part to the fact I have to juggle between languages. :p– EldroßSep 12, 2011 at 16:31
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2This subthread has made me realize how weird a word "drawer" is. Now I can only think of it referring to someone who is drawing a picture.– fluffySep 12, 2011 at 17:52
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2@fluffy: or someone who draws water out of a well. Sep 12, 2011 at 18:23
In the case on would mean at the top of the drawer. And yes, in would have the same meaning as inside.
There is a book in the drawer