What is the meaning of "on" in English?
As one of the most commonly used prepositions in the English language, "on" has a variety of meanings and uses. Here are some of the most common:
1. Physical location or position
When used to describe physical location or position, "on" typically means that something is resting or supported by something else. For example:
- The book is on the table.
- The cat is on the roof.
- The painting is on the wall.
2. Time
"On" is also commonly used to indicate a specific point in time. This can refer to a day of the week, a date, or a specific time of day. For example:
- I have a meeting on Monday.
- We're going on vacation in July.
- The movie starts at 7:00 on Friday night.
3. Surface or material
Another common use of "on" is to describe the surface or material that something is made of. For example:
- The dress is made of silk on the outside.
- The ice cream is served on a cone.
- The car has leather seats on the inside.
What is the meaning of "under" in English?
Like "on," "under" is a preposition with a variety of meanings and uses. Here are some of the most common:
4. Physical location or position
When used to describe physical location or position, "under" typically means that something is below or beneath something else. For example:
- The cat is hiding under the bed.
- The boat is sailing under the bridge.
- The book is under the pile of papers.
5. Limit or control
"Under" can also be used to indicate a limit or control that something is subject to. For example:
- The company is under new management.
- The child is under his parents' supervision.
- The project is under budget.
6. Movement or action
Another use of "under" is to indicate movement or action that is happening beneath something else. For example:
- The fish is swimming under the water.
- The workers are digging under the ground.
- The car is driving under the bridge.
7. Comparison or contrast
"Under" can also be used to create a comparison or contrast between two things. For example:
- The new model is under the old one in terms of performance.
- The team is under a lot of pressure to win the game.
- The movie is underwhelming compared to the book.
Conclusion
As you can see, both "on" and "under" have a wide range of meanings and uses in English. By understanding these different contexts, you can use these prepositions more effectively in your speaking and writing.