| part of speech: |
preposition |
| definition 1: |
When we say the book is on the shelf, we mean that the shelf is where the book is and the shelf is holding up the book.
Heather sat on the bench and ate her lunch.Lee placed his notebook and pencils on his desk.
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| definition 2: |
If your mom puts her hand on your shoulder, it means she puts her hand so that it is touching your shoulder. If a picture that you drew is on the refrigerator door, it is lying against the surface of the door.
Sometimes my mom can't read the labels on jars and cans at the store. I help her read them because my eyes are better than hers.My ice cream cone melted too fast and I got ice cream on my shirt.- antonyms:
- off
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| definition 3: |
"On" sometimes means "right next to." If your house is on a busy road, it means that your house is next to a busy road.
Curtis and his family have a cottage on the lake that they visit every summer. |
| definition 4: |
If something is hanging from another thing, we can say that it is "on" it. If you put your jacket on a hook, it means that the jacket is now hanging from the hook.
There were many dresses on hangers at the clothes store.Mark hung his painting on the wall. |
| definition 5: |
When you get on a bus, it means that you get into the bus to ride it.
Lori got on the subway and looked for an open seat. |
| definition 6: |
We sometimes use "on" when we are talking about when something happens. If you have your piano lesson on Wednesday, it means that Wednesday is when you have your lesson.
My doctor's appointment is on Monday.They will celebrate Martin's birhtday on June 23rd. |
| definition 7: |
Sometimes "on" is used when we are naming a topic or subject. If you read a book on making dolls, it means that you read a book about making dolls. Making dolls is the topic of the book. If you agree on a plan with your friend, the plan is the thing you are agreeing about. It is the subject of your agreement.
Maggie wrote a report on the life of Benjamin Franklin.Sasha told Nick that she would buy his bike. Then they had to agree on a price. |
| definition 8: |
When you are on the swim team, it means that you are a member of the swim team.
Zack is on the basketball team and on the volleyball team. |
| definition 9: |
"On" is sometimes used to say that some process is going on. If a forest is on fire, it means that the forest is burning, It is in the process of burning.
The thieves were on the run as the police chased after them. |
| definition 10: |
Sometimes we use "on" when we talk about what we use to do something. When you talk on the telephone, the telephone is what you use to talk to someone. If you hear a song on the radio, the radio is what you use to hear it.
We are going to watch the football game on TV tonight.My aunt and uncle are staying with us for a few days. They came here on the bus. |
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| part of speech: |
adverb |
| definition 1: |
When you put something on, you put it so that it touches or covers something. If you make a cake and then you put the icing on, it means you put the icing so that it covers the cake. When you put your shirt on, it covers the surface of your body. When you put your shoes on, they cover the surfaces of your feet.
Nico put his glasses on so he could see better.Bree's mother puts lipstick on every morning.- antonyms:
- off
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| definition 2: |
When you turn something on, you make it work. If you turn the lights on, it means that you make the lights work.
Steve turned the oven on so it would be ready for baking the cake.- antonyms:
- off, out
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| definition 3: |
If you walk on, you continue walking. You don't stop. When your teacher talks on past the bell, it means that your teacher keeps talking after the bell.
Elena and her sister loved their new game, and they played on for hours.Rick was tired and sat down to rest, but his friends ran on.- similar words:
- forward
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| definition 4: |
If you ride a horse and hold on, it means that you hold tight.
Hold on to the railing when you go down those steps. They're very slippery. |
| definition 5: |
When someone looks on as you paint a picture, it means that they look towards you as you are painting. They don't do anything, though. They just watch.
Our teacher looked on as we worked on our test. |
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| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
When something is working or running, we can say it is on. If your computer is on, it means that your computer is running.
We didn't know why the printer wasn't working, but then we realized that the printer wasn't on.When Ben left the kitchen, he didn't know that the stove was still on, so one of the pans got damaged. |
| definition 2: |
When the party is on, it means that the party will happen. It has been scheduled.
It's raining now but the game still seems to be on for this afternoon.- antonyms:
- off
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