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Seagull Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

in/on the list

When does the noun "list" collocate with the preposition "in" or "on"?

Below are two examples from one of my dictionaries:

(a) Names of past members are not included in the list.

(b) I can't see your name on the list.

Q1 Are "in" in Sentence (a) and "on" in Sentence (b) interachangeable?

Q2 On what criteria should we use "in" or "on" before "list"?
  

Top answer

Dear Seagull "List" is an interesting word because it can be considered as a surface (like a page - use "on"), or as a container of words (like a document - use "in"). For this reason, it is OK to use either "in" or "on", though "on" feels more natural and common. Kind regards, Michael

— Michael Chambers Teaching English

  • Dear Seagull "List" is an interesting word because it can be considered as a surface (like a page - use "on"), or as a container of words (like a document - use "in").
  • For this reason, it is OK to use either "in" or "on", though "on" feels more natural and common.
  • Kind regards, Michael
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4 Answers
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Dear Seagull

"List" is an interesting word because it can be considered as a surface (like a page - use "on"), or as a container of words (like a document - use "in"). For this reason, it is OK to use either "in" or "on", though "on" feels more natural and common.

Kind regards,

Michael
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seagullQ1 Are "in" in Sentence (a) and "on" in Sentence (b) interachangeable?
I'd say so. Yes.
seagullQ2 On what criteria should we use "in" or "on" before "list"?
Mostly on the mood you're in.
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I understand.
Thank you very much for your clear explanation, Michael.
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Thank you so much, CalifJim.
CalifJim Mostly on the mood you're in.
It is good news to hear English grammar has such leeway even though it is usually very strict to us.
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