English Grammar
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES with 'ON'
Set phrases or groups of words introduced by the preposition 'on'.
Prepositional phrases are set phrases or groups of words introduced by a preposition.
Below are some examples of commonly-used propositional phrases with 'ON', with their meaning and a sentence showing how they are used.
Preposition | Prepositional phrase | Meaning | Example |
ON | On account of | Because of / owing to | He couldn't speak. He was hoarse on account of a sore throat. |
On no account | Not for any reason | On no account will I agree to the proposal. | |
On average | Typically / normally | It takes 5 minutes, on average, to walk to the station. | |
On behalf of | As a spokesperson for someone else | I’m making this request on behalf of all the members. | |
On display | Shown in a public place for all to see | His paintings are on display at the moment. | |
On edge | Feel tense or nervous | My nerves are constantly on edge these days. | |
On foot | Walking | My car broke down so I had to go there on foot. | |
On good terms | Have a friendly relationship | I’m on good terms with all my colleagues. | |
On the increase | Becoming larger in amount | Sales are on the increase this week. | |
On leave | Absent from work with permission | Emma is on maternity leave at the moment. | |
On occasion | Sometimes, but not often | The boss has, on occasion, lost his temper. | |
On one's own | Alone, without any help. | Carla prepared the meal on her own. | |
On your mind | Think about something | The problem was on his mind all day. | |
On purpose | Intentionally | The boy banged the door on purpose. | |
On principle | Based on your beliefs | He voted against the proposal on principle. | |
On second thoughts | After reconsideration | On second thoughts she decided to refuse the offer. | |
On strike | Stop working to protest against or demand something | The employees are on strike today. They want better working conditions. | |
On target | As predicted or planned | The new hotel is on target to open in May. | |
On time | At the time agreed | All employees must arrive on time every morning. | |
On a whim | As a result of a sudden impulse or idea. | We booked a trip to Venise on a whim. |
More Prepositional Phrases:
See also: Prepositions
Try these online exercises: at-on-in at-for-from-in into-onto-off-over-up