Using ON instead of ONTO

Question

Hello all, Can I use on instead of onto all the time?

Canadian45 · Accepted Answer

NotoriozHello all, Can I use on instead of onto all the time? no

'Turn on Elm Street.' is not the same as 'Turn onto Elm Street.'

CalifJim · Answer

NotoriozCan I use on instead of onto all the time?

No!

Sam jumped onto the trampoline. (He jumped from the floor to the trampoline.)
Sam jumped on the trampoline. (He was on the trampoline all the while, jumping.)

Still, I admit, a lot of people would say "Sam jumped on the trampoline" for the first meaning.

Nevertheless, there are some idiomatic meanings where 'on' absolutely cannot substitute for 'onto'.

The police have discovered the criminal's hide-out. They are onto him.
The salesman was trying to deceive me, but I was onto him.

You think that separating the white laundry from the colored laundry is better? I think you're onto something.
One of the investigative journalists thinks that the bank account data may lead to the arrest of that corrupt senator. I think he's onto something.

CJ

Notorioz · Answer

Thanks for your helps

CalifJim · Answer

NotoriozThanks for your ~~helps~~ help.

There is no plural for 'help'.

________________

You're welcome.

CJ

Using ON instead of ONTO

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