|
|
#2 (permalink) Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:04 am In (the) line(s) vs. on (the) line(s) |
|
|
Hi Haihao,
I would suggest the difference between 'in' and 'on' here is a difference between literal and figurative. By that I mean 'in lines' or queues gives the idea of physically or literally standing in the queue as if you are also there and you can see the 'line' of people. 'On lnes' suggests a more abstract picture of imagining a lot of unemployed people. I suppose this could be explained with another pair of phrases -Your name is in a list and your name is on a list. In the first one you can actually see your name. In the second one you are given information that your name is listed somewhere.
Hope this clarifies the difference.
A _________________ English as a Second Language You can read my ESL story Present Simple |
|
Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 13891 Location: UK
|
|
#3 (permalink) Wed Feb 07, 2007 1:30 am In (the) line(s) vs. On (the) line(s) |
|
|
Hi Alan,
It clarified that very much indeed, sir, and I guess I have got the whole picture now I wanted then. Many many thanks again.
Haihao |
|
Haihao I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Posts: 2471 Location: Japan
|
 |
#4 (permalink) Wed Feb 07, 2007 5:55 am In (the) line(s) vs. on (the) line(s) |
|
|
| Alan wrote: |
Hi Haihao,
I would suggest the difference between 'in' and 'on' here is a difference between literal and figurative. By that I mean 'in lines' or queues gives the idea of physically or literally standing in the queue as if you are also there and you can see the 'line' of people. 'On lnes' suggests a more abstract picture of imagining a lot of unemployed people. I suppose this could be explained with another pair of phrases -Your name is in a list and your name is on a list. In the first one you can actually see your name. In the second one you are given information that your name is listed somewhere.
Hope this clarifies the difference.
A |
Thanks, Alan, now I uderstand as well!!! |
|
Mejcej I'm new here and I like it ;-)
Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Posts: 19
|
 |
|
| meaning of address? | Why could 'I'm having quite a time' have opposite meanings? |