On vs Onto: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
On" indicates a position on a surface, while "onto" signifies movement toward a surface.
Memory Tip: on = stay put, onto = move to
on ends with /n/, onto ends with /tuː/
on /ɒn/
prepositionResting or supported by the surface of something.
Example:
The book is on the table.
Common patterns:
on the table
on the wall
onto /ˈɒntuː/
prepositionMoving to a position on a surface.
Example:
She climbed onto the roof to fix the antenna.
Common patterns:
onto + noun
go onto
Common Mistakes
She placed the book onto the table.
She placed the book on the table.
The book is resting on the surface of the table, not moving toward it.
The cat jumped on the roof.
The cat jumped onto the roof.
The cat is moving toward and landing on the surface of the roof.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. The book is ____ the table.
2. She climbed ____ the roof to fix the antenna.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse on / onto again
Practice confusing word pairs with your daily goal in the Vocab5000 app and learn them for good with a scientifically proven repetition system. Start for free now.
