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What is the correct word to use for vehicles: in or on?

Question
When talking about vehicles, when is one "in" a vehicle and when is one "on" a vehicle? Is there a rule for using "in" or "on" in these situations?  — Learners Everywhere
Answer

Usually, you should use in when you are talking about a small vehicle or a personal vehicle. Use on when you are talking about a large vehicle or a public vehicle. An exception to this is when you are talking about a bicycle or motorcycle. For small vehicles like those, use on. The examples below show some uses of in and on with vehicles.

 

  • The dog likes to ride in the car.
  • We were able to fit all of our luggage in the truck.
  • He liked going for drives in his Jeep during the summer.
  • He left his jacket in the limousine.
  • There wasn't much space to move around in the canoe.
  • She got on the bus near the library.
  • We parked our car on the ferryboat.
  • She sailed off into the sunset on her yacht.
  • The kids had a snack on the plane.
  • There were quite a few passengers on the train.
  • She sat on her bike for a minute adjusting her helmet, and then she headed home.
  • They arrived on a motorcycle.

 

I hope this helps.

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