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Anonymous Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

In and On

Hi

Can someone please explain the difference in using "in" and "on" in these sentences:

He was in the same class.

He was on the same team.

I know that "in" could be used in either sentence, but "on" could not.

Thanks
  

Top answer

I would think it is idiomatic, Anon. Both are groups, and the individuals are members of these groups in both cases. Perhaps only a team conjures the image of a list of players, at least in the early stages of the usage.

— Mister Micawber

  • I would think it is idiomatic, Anon.
  • Both are groups, and the individuals are members of these groups in both cases.
  • Perhaps only a team conjures the image of a list of players, at least in the early stages of the usage.
  • Though 'in' may work, I think that 'on' the team is much more common.
  • (Google shows 'on' over 'in' by about 2:1)
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1 Answers
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I would think it is idiomatic, Anon. Both are groups, and the individuals are members of these groups in both cases. Perhaps only a team conjures the image of a list of players, at least in the early stages of the usage. Though 'in' may work, I think that 'on' the team is much more common. (Google shows 'on' over 'in' by about 2:1)

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