In vs on.

English grammar and usage issues

Moderator: Joe

magicnumber9
Member
Posts: 8
Joined: 03 Jul 2007, 10:00

In vs on.

Unread post 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.
Glenski
Rising Star
Posts: 31
Joined: 29 Aug 2004, 05:06

Unread post by Glenski »

American English uses "on".
sonnet
Member
Posts: 4
Joined: 17 Aug 2007, 03:13

Unread post 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.
We're one, but we're not the same.
flowerbeast
Member
Posts: 6
Joined: 21 Oct 2007, 01:14

Unread post by flowerbeast »

It's easier when 'a pretty girl' replaces 'the swimming team'.
Post Reply