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Sarnga1157 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Usage of in/on

Hello All,
Which is right in British English?

1) Call me on this number.

2) Call me at this number.

And, is there a reason for that? Is there a way to know which should be used when?

Thanks,
Prasanna
  

Top answer

Call me on this number is better, I hear both so wouldn't get too hung up about it. I think that it refers to the old telephone lines where you were on a line relating to a number, hence call me on this number. You can't really be at a number in this sense.

— Dave Phillips

  • Call me on this number is better, I hear both so wouldn't get too hung up about it.
  • I think that it refers to the old telephone lines where you were on a line relating to a number, hence call me on this number.
  • You can't really be at a number in this sense.
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6 Answers
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Call me on this number is better, I hear both so wouldn't get too hung up about it. I think that it refers to the old telephone lines where you were on a line relating to a number, hence call me on this number. You can't really be at a number in this sense.
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At is often used to denote location, and since every number is related/(corresponds) to a location, this fact could possibly explain the use of 'at' with numbers. Just a guess, really.
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Thanks Dave.

I have often seen at used when it is directly followed by the number,, as in "Call me at 917...."

I thought "at" could be used just like we use with E-mail,, when we say,, contact me @ Email Removed ,,,,

Kindly correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks,
Prasanna
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Thanks Ivanhr.

I have often seen at used when it is directly followed by the number,, as in "Call me at 917...."
I thought "at" could be used just like we use with E-mail,, when we say,, contact me @ Email Removed ,,,,

Kindly correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks,
Prasanna
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sarnga1157Thanks Ivanhr.

I have often seen at used when it is directly followed by the number,, as in "Call me at 917.."

I thought "at" could be used just like we use with E-mail,, when we say,, contact me @ (Email removed) ,,

Kindly correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks,
Prasanna


I think that the preposition at had been us
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You do see it I quite agree. As I stated, I personally feel that 'on' is better in the sentence. I would use contact me at when giving various options (email, telephone,etc). I think that because 'at' has been used in such a way it has come into common useage with call me at. I can only tell you what I would use as a native speaker.
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