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IN or ON with written documents (page, blog, website, form)

Question
IN or ON? Many of our readers ask which word to use, IN or ON, in prepositional phrases about written documents, such as _?_ an email, _?_ a blog,_?_ an application form, etc.
Answer

Here are some helpful rules to follow:

For pages, including website pages, always use ON. For example: 

  • You'll find it ON page 23.
  • I saw it ON Facebook. 

For documents that contain running text organized into paragraphs, such as email, academic essays, articles, and blog posts, use IN. For example:

  • It was IN an email.
  • I read about it IN a history book. 
  • She put pictures of her party IN a blog post. (but: ON a blog page)

For short documents with very structured formats, like lists, forms, and job applications, use ON.

  • It’s ON my list of things to do.
  • Can you please write that comment ON your feedback form?

You may also hear “IN the form,” but ON is more common.

 I hope this information is helpful. 

 

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