Little details often make all the difference. That’s why effective writers always look for the little details that can improve their writing. They know that good writing can make a difference.
One such detail is the difference between on and onto. On is usually a preposition meaning supported by, attached to, or located at. Onto is also a preposition with similar denotations. However, onto also connotes movement to a position or movement in an up-and-on fashion.
Consider, for instance, the example sentence in the graphic above. The word onto may sound correct but is really not the best choice in this sentence. Onto implies an in-and-on movement, but the sentence describes no such movement. Instead, the sentence describes an attachment between the apparatus and the support beam. Thus, the writer should rewrite this sentence.
One such detail is the difference between on and onto. On is usually a preposition meaning supported by, attached to, or located at. Onto is also a preposition with similar denotations. However, onto also connotes movement to a position or movement in an up-and-on fashion.
Consider, for instance, the example sentence in the graphic above. The word onto may sound correct but is really not the best choice in this sentence. Onto implies an in-and-on movement, but the sentence describes no such movement. Instead, the sentence describes an attachment between the apparatus and the support beam. Thus, the writer should rewrite this sentence.
The apparatus was attached on the support beam.
Alternatively, the preposition to could be used in placed of on.
The apparatus was attached to the support beam.
The use of onto here represents another instance of writing which fails to distinguish between spoken English and written English. Since either on or to would be appropriate here, somehow onto became acceptable as well. But while acceptable in spoken English, onto is not acceptable here in written English.
The key is to remember the up-and-on movement associated with onto. Onto implies a change of position. No up-and-on movement means no correct use of onto. And that means using another preposition like on or perhaps even to.
So get on the proper use of onto. Getting the little details right makes for better writing. And better writing makes a better presentation, which conveys a more professional image for you, your organizations, and your brands.
The key is to remember the up-and-on movement associated with onto. Onto implies a change of position. No up-and-on movement means no correct use of onto. And that means using another preposition like on or perhaps even to.
So get on the proper use of onto. Getting the little details right makes for better writing. And better writing makes a better presentation, which conveys a more professional image for you, your organizations, and your brands.
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