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I'm having trouble when to use IN and ON. (i already know when to use it in a date and time) Like in a plate or on a plate, in the floor or on the floor. Are there any rules about it?

happy101
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2 Answers2

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For general concepts, see Correct usage of ‘on’, ‘at’ and ‘in’ from a foreigner’s point of view, especially the answer by John Lawler.

Applied to a plate, you usually put things on a plate because it's considered a surface. But if the plate was deep enough that it could be considered able to "enclose" the items/food you can use in, just like you would use in for a bowl.

As for floor, if you're talking about stuff (for example clothes) on the surface of the floor, use on. If you're talking about something "within" or "inside" the floor, like pipes or ducts, use in.

Arm the good guys in America
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In your examples "On" - when it's about something laying ON the surface of something. on the plate, on the floor "In" means inside. in the box, in the house

prehisto
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