Unlocking the Potential of "On" Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases starting with "on" are like keys that unlock more nuanced and vibrant expressions in English. These phrases can denote time, location, condition, and many other relationships between the parts of a sentence, enriching your ability to convey precise meanings. In this lesson, we'll explore a variety of "on" prepositional phrases, shedding light on their meanings and providing examples to illustrate their use. By the end of this guide, you'll have a toolkit of expressions to enhance your English conversations and writings, making your language journey both more enjoyable and effective.
Useful Vocabulary for "On" Prepositional Phrases
- On watch - Being alert or vigilant.
- The guards were on watch throughout the night.
- On schedule - Proceeding at the planned time; not late.
- The project is on schedule for completion by the end of the month.
- On the record - Officially documented or stated.
- The CEO's statement is now on the record.
- On the road - Traveling, especially as part of one’s job.
- Sales representatives are often on the road.
- On oath - Having taken a formal promise to tell the truth in court.
- The witness testified on oath.
- On pain of - Under threat of.
- On pain of dismissal, employees must adhere to the policy.
- On the air - Being broadcast on radio or television.
- The interview went on the air live.
- On balance - Considering all factors.
- On balance, the benefits of the change outweigh the drawbacks.
- On a diet - Following a specific food plan for health or weight loss.
- She's been on a diet for two months.
- On a journey - Traveling from one place to another.
- They went on a journey across the continent.
- On a trip - A journey or excursion, typically for pleasure.
- We're going on a trip next weekend.
- On a large scale - Involving many people or things; extensively.
- The event was organised on a large scale.
- On a small scale - Limited in size or extent.
- They started the business on a small scale.
- On a pension - Receiving regular payments following retirement from work.
- My grandfather is on a pension.
- On a regular basis - Happening or done frequently.
- She visits the museum on a regular basis.
- On a spree - Engaging in an unrestrained activity, often spending.
- They went on a shopping spree.
- On account of - Because of.
- The game was postponed on account of rain.
- On an expedition - A journey undertaken for a specific purpose, often exploratory.
- They went on an expedition to the Arctic.
- On an island - Located on a piece of land surrounded by water.
- The resort is situated on an island.
- On approval - Given for examination with the option of return or refusal.
- The dress is sent on approval; you can return it if it doesn’t fit.
- On average - Typically; as a general rule.
- On average, adults need seven to eight hours of sleep.
- On bail - Released from custody until a trial on condition that a sum of money is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.
- The accused was released on bail.
- On behalf of - Representing; in the interest of.
- I'm calling on behalf of Mr. Smith.
- On board - Participating in or being part of a group or project.
- We're excited to have you on board the team.
- On business - Engaged in commercial or work-related activities.
- He is in Tokyo on business.
- On condition that - Provided that; if.
- You can borrow the car on condition that you refill the tank.
- On credit - Purchasing something with the agreement to pay for it later.
- Many people buy homes on credit.
- On display - Shown publicly.
- The new collection is on display at the museum.
- On edge - Nervous or irritable.
- The suspenseful movie had everyone on edge.
- On strike - Refusing to work as a form of protest.
- The factory workers are on strike for better wages.
- On suspicion of - Believed to be guilty without confirmed evidence.
- He was arrested on suspicion of theft.
- On the agenda - Scheduled for discussion or action.
- Climate change is on the agenda for today’s meeting.
- On the assumption - Based on the belief or expectation.
- On the assumption that the weather stays fine, we'll have the picnic tomorrow.
- On the brink of - Very close to experiencing something significant.
- The company is on the brink of breakthrough success.
- On the dot - Exactly on time.
- She arrived at 3 p.m. on the dot.
- On the edge of - Very close to; about to.
- He's on the edge of making a major decision.
- On the eve of - Just before an event.
- On the eve of the election, the candidates made their final appeals.
- On the grounds of - Because of; due to.
- He was dismissed on the grounds of misconduct.
- On the horizon - Likely to happen or appear soon.
- New technology is on the horizon.
- On the hour - Every hour exactly.
- The bus leaves on the hour, every hour.
- On the increase - Becoming more numerous or frequent.
- Cases of the flu are on the increase.
- On the job - While working.
- Training is provided on the job.
- On the move - In the process of moving or traveling.
- The troops are on the move.
- On the off-chance - Just in case; as a precaution.
- I applied on the off-chance, not really expecting to get the job.
- On the outskirts - In the outer parts of a town or city.
- They live on the outskirts of the city.
- On the part of - Done or caused by.
- There was a lack of effort on the part of some team members.
- On the phone - Engaged in a phone call.
- Can you come back later? I'm on the phone.
- On the point of - About to do something.
- She was on the point of leaving when the phone rang.
Conclusion / Summary and Takeaways
This lesson has journeyed through the dynamic and versatile world of prepositional phrases starting with "on," offering a comprehensive overview that enhances both our understanding and usage of the English language. From "on schedule" to "on the point of," we've explored how these phrases serve as crucial tools for articulating time, location, conditions, actions, and perspectives with greater precision and richness.
The beauty of these prepositional phrases lies in their ability to add layers of meaning to our sentences, transforming basic expressions into more detailed and expressive communications. Remembering and effectively using these phrases can be facilitated through various methods, such as creating visual aids like mind maps, which link phrases to their meanings, or using sticky notes as daily reminders to incorporate new phrases into your spoken or written English.
Real-life application is key to mastering these phrases. Challenge yourself to use at least one new prepositional phrase each day, whether in conversation, writing, or even on social media. This practice not only reinforces your learning but also builds confidence in your ability to navigate the complexities of English grammar with ease.
We encourage you to share your learning journey with others and to continue exploring the vast landscape of the English language. For more lessons, tips, and insights, don't forget to visit and share our Facebook page www.facebook.com/learningenglishfree.co.uk. Your engagement and curiosity are the driving forces behind your progress, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Remember, the exploration of prepositional phrases is a journey, not a destination. Each phrase you master is a step toward a more nuanced and fluent expression in English. Keep practising, stay curious, and embrace the journey with enthusiasm and determination.