in the list vs on the list

[Daemon99]

Please help me with this.

When do we use, 'in the list' and when 'on the list'?

By the way, is the above sentence correct?
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Non-native speaker of English
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[Alan]

Hi Daemon,

It depends very much, as always, on the context. All I can say is the way I see it. 'In the list' to me suggests written down on a page, piece of paper, in a book as in: In the list of words on page 24 you will find some of the examples. 'On the list' suggests again written down as above but this time the paper or whatever is some kind of notice, perhaps something posted on a board as in: I'm not buying any butter today because it's not on my shopping list. You'll find the names of all the staff on the list pinned on the noticeboard.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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[Daemon99]

Thanks Alan! I have another question on this.

In computer languages there are some things called lists which we add elements to. In this case, do I use, "the element is in the list" or "the element is on the list"?
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Non-native speaker of English
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I intend to live forever - so far, so good.

[Alan]

Hi,

Computer language is a world on its own and that's difficult for me to say. I would suggest (only suggest) 'on the list'.

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
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