What's the difference between the words “on” and “onto”?

Know the answer?

4 answers from our tutors

Best answer

"On" often describes a static or stationary relationship, while "onto" indicates movement or a change in position onto a specific surface or location.

  • 'On' is used to indicate location or position on a surface. Onto indicates the movement of something from a particular position or location to another.

  • Onto has a movement in it where as on shows no movement

  • Check your English level for free

    Take our quick and free test to find out your current level of English

    Start testflagbubblecheckman
  • “On” is to be connected to something, and “onto” can mean going in a direction, or being in the process of something. For example, “I’m getting on the roof of the car” is being on the surface, ‘connected to the car’. Or, I’m heading ‘onto my aunts house’ , means your on the way there.

Other student questions

Show all