What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
onto
Example
He climbed onto the roof to fix the shingles. [onto: preposition]
Example
She placed the vase onto the table carefully. [onto: adverb]
on
Example
The cat is on the couch sleeping. [on: preposition]
Example
I put the book on the shelf. [on: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
On is more commonly used than onto in everyday language. On is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while onto is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between onto and on?
Onto is typically associated with a more formal tone, while on can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
