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In vs on.

Posted: 10 Sep 2007, 16:06
by magicnumber9
Is it "I'm in the swimming team." Or "I'm on the swimming team."? If both are okay, is it just because of the difference between British English and American English?

Thank you.

Posted: 11 Sep 2007, 04:57
by Glenski
American English uses "on".

Posted: 14 Sep 2007, 10:41
by sonnet
Both are used in British English.

In my experience (don't shoot me!), I'd say that there's a nuance in meaning:

"I'm on the football team."
means I'm part of the squad, regularly go to practice, and play in a lot of the games

"I'm in the football team."
implies that I've been selected in the starting 11 for the next game


That's how people where I'm from use it, anyway.

Posted: 21 Oct 2007, 01:33
by flowerbeast
It's easier when 'a pretty girl' replaces 'the swimming team'.