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Rafaelpedrop Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
IN or ON
Hi!
I'd like to know what's the difference between the prepositions IN and ON referring to the word TREE. For example: The nest is in the tree. The apples are on the tree. What about the leaves, are they on or in a tree?
Thank you very much!
I'd like to know what's the difference between the prepositions IN and ON referring to the word TREE. For example: The nest is in the tree. The apples are on the tree. What about the leaves, are they on or in a tree?
Thank you very much!
Top answer
The leaves are on the tree, because they are affixed to the ends and surfaces of the twigs and branches (as are the apples). The nest is in the tree because it is intentionally hidden by the bird within the tree's outer boundaries. It is sometimes difficult to decide which preposition to use, and no doubt some are idiomatic, but keep in mind that on means at the surface (in some way) of a 2-dimensional construct, while in means enclosed (in some way) by a 3-dimensional construct.
- The leaves are on the tree, because they are affixed to the ends and surfaces of the twigs and branches (as are the apples).
- The nest is in the tree because it is intentionally hidden by the bird within the tree's outer boundaries.
- It is sometimes difficult to decide which preposition to use, and no doubt some are idiomatic, but keep in mind that on means at the surface (in some way) of a 2-dimensional construct, while in means enclosed (in some way) by a 3-dimensional construct.
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9 Answers
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The leaves are on the tree, because they are affixed to the ends and surfaces of the twigs and branches (as are the apples). The nest is in the tree because it is intentionally hidden by the bird within the tree's outer boundaries.
It is sometimes difficult to decide which preposition to use, and no doubt some are idiomatic, but keep in mind that
The leaves are on the tree, because they are affixed to the ends and surfaces of the twigs and branches (as are the apples). The nest is in the tree because it is intentionally hidden by the bird within the tree's outer boundaries.
It is sometimes difficult to decide which preposition to use, and no doubt some are idiomatic, but keep in mind that
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Hi MisterM!
Can you also say "The leaves are attached to the branches of the tree."?
Can you also say "The leaves are attached to the branches of the tree."?
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Yes, you could, if you were describing a tree to a Martian.
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Yes, you could, if you were describing a tree to a Martian.
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So it means it's not really common to say that?
Martians don't speak english..
Martians don't speak english..
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Yes, not so common. You would have to explain what a tree is to a Martian in detail that is unnecessary for anyone who lives on Earth.
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Yes, not so common. You would have to explain what a tree is to a Martian in detail that is unnecessary for anyone who lives on Earth.
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I see...But how can I know the sentences that are common in use?
I don't have any friends who are native speakers here in our country.
Here,as long as we use the correct grammar, we think it's already okay eventhough sometimes we say illogical sentences like I did ask you.
I guess that's the big problem here.
I hope my grammar is correct.
I don't have any friends who are native speakers here in our country.
Here,as long as we use the correct grammar, we think it's already okay eventhough sometimes we say illogical sentences like I did ask you.
I guess that's the big problem here.
I hope my grammar is correct.
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Your grammar's fine except like I did ask should read like I asked.
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Your grammar's fine except like I did ask should read like I asked.
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