Preposition ON: from confusion to clarity. Say goodbye to mistakes and learn how to use the preposition ON correctly in English.
Learn 14 prepositional phrases with ON that you can use in your daily conversations. Use these English fluency tips to help you improve your vocabulary and confidence in speaking English.
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Essential Phrases in English
preposition on: Essential Phrases for Everyday Use
Harry
In this advanced English lesson today, we’re focusing on prepositional phrases with “on.” It’s at an advanced level, covering prepositional phrases that use “on.”
There are 14 of them on our list, and I’ll go through each one, explaining them and providing working examples. Hopefully, you’ll be able to understand them.
As I always say, the best way to understand them is to practice. If you can practice and learn even just some of them, you’ll be in a much better position.
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on occasion
Meaning: occasionally, something happens from time to time, but not all the time
Examples:
On occasion, they get a really nice summer in Ireland. Usually, it’s a little bit colder than the continent.
On occasion, I meet up with my friends, but usually, with work and family, I don’t have enough time.
on the increase
Meaning: becoming more common or happening more often
Examples:
Inflation is on the increase.
Crime rates in many cities are on the increase.
Strikes by workers looking for more money are on the increase.
on board
Meaning: to be a part of or involved in a particular group, project, or organisation; can also refer to physically being inside a vehicle, plane or ship
Examples:
Good to have you on board! We look forward to working together and achieving great things as a team.
Good to have you on board, sir. If you need assistance during the flight, just let us know.
preposition on: Essential Phrases for Everyday Use
on a whim
Meaning: doing something suddenly or impulsively, without much thought or planning
Examples:
On a whim, she decided to book a spontaneous weekend getaway to the mountains.
He bought the new phone suddenly because it looked cool in the store, even though he didn’t really need it.
on behalf of
Meaning: to act or speak for someone or a group of people, often representing their interests or expressing something on their behalf
Examples:
On behalf of my wife and myself, I would like to invite you to the wedding of our daughter.
On behalf of the board of management, we would like to thank all staff for their contribution.
On behalf of my family, I would like to welcome you all here to enjoy the wedding.
on your mind
Meaning: the thoughts or concerns that are currently occupying your thoughts or preoccupying your thinking
Examples:
I’ve had something on my mind all day, and I’ve been meaning to say it to you.
I’ve had something on my mind all week, and I would really like to discuss it with you.
What’s on your mind? Feel free to share any thoughts or concerns you have.
on strike
Meaning: workers have stopped working to demand better conditions or higher pay
Examples:
Many workers in the city are currently on strike, affecting various industries.
Following the meeting, the workers decided to go on strike for better pay.
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on end
Meaning: when something happens repeatedly or for an extended period without a break
Examples:
It has been raining here for days on end.
The temperature has been low now for days on end.
The wind has been howling for days on end.
on its end
Meaning: standing upright or in a vertical position
Example:
As a result of the very strong wind, the car was on its end.
on your own
Meaning: to be alone or without assistance from others
Examples:
Laura left on a weekend getaway with her friends, leaving Mark on his own.
I’m not going to talk to the manager about this. You’re on your own.
on time
Meaning: doing something or arriving at a specific time as planned or scheduled
Examples:
Sheila was nervous but arrived on time for her meeting with the boss.
Despite being stuck in traffic, I arrived on time for my hair appointment.
The train departed on time as scheduled.
preposition on: Essential Phrases for Everyday Use
on foot
Meaning: to travel or move by walking, without the use of any vehicle or mode of transportation other than your own legs
Examples:
I decided to go on foot to my appointment because it’s not such a long walk.
I like to go on foot because I can look around and see what’s happening in the city.
on a spree
Meaning: doing something a lot or without stopping, like shopping or having fun
Examples:
Sarah went on a spree with her Christmas shopping, buying gifts for everyone on her list.
We went on a spending spree last Saturday. I don’t know how many bags we came back home with!
There’s been an increase in car robberies in the area. Some gang was on a spree of stealing cars.
on the move
Meaning: actively going from place to place or staying busy
Examples:
Oh, I see Michael is on the move again. He must be getting bored. I heard he’s handed in his resignation.
David is always on the move. He enjoys being active all the time.
on reflection
Meaning: thinking about something after some time has passed or considering it more carefully
Examples:
On reflection, I don’t think I should have said that. I want to apologise.
On reflection, the star apologised for his comments.
on second thought(s)
Meaning: think about something again and change your mind or reconsider your decision
Examples:
On second thought(s), just bring me a soft drink, please. I might have another drink with the meal.
On second thoughts, I don’t think it’s a good time for me to move. I would like to turn down the offer.
Alright, those were 14 prepositional phrases with ‘on.’ They may seem difficult, but they’re part of advanced English.
Remember, practice a few of them, incorporate them into your conversations, and see how you do. If you need more help, you can contact me at englishlessonviaskype.com Always happy to hear from you.
This is Harry saying goodbye. Thanks for listening. Thanks for watching. Join me again soon.
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more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
15 Collocations Connected to Traffic
Must-Have Phrases for Online Meetings
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
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