On

Pronunciation: /ɑn/

Definitions of on

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

Example Sentences

A1 The cat is sitting on the mat.

A2 She put the book on the table.

B1 We are going on a trip next week.

B2 The company is working on a new project.

C1 The scientist conducted research on the effects of climate change.

C2 The artist's work is on display at the museum.

Examples of on in a Sentence

formal The report on climate change was presented at the conference.

informal I read an article on the new restaurant in town.

slang I'm totally hooked on this new TV show.

figurative She's always on cloud nine whenever she's with him.

Grammatical Forms of on

• past tense: was
• plural: ons
• comparative: more on
• superlative: most on
• present tense: is
• future tense: will be
• perfect tense: has been
• continuous tense: is being
• singular: on
• positive degree: on
• infinitive: to be on
• gerund: being on
• participle: having been on

Origin and Evolution of on

First Known Use: 1000 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'on' originated from Old English 'on', which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'ana'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'on' has retained its original meaning of indicating position or location, but it has also evolved to be used in various prepositional phrases and idiomatic expressions.