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Inside, on a surface, underneath
In means inside: a marble in a box. On means on a surface: a book on a desk. Under means beneath: a shoe under a chair. Look at the relationship between the objects, not just their position on the page.
Next to and between
Next to means beside: the lamp is next to the bed. Between describes a position separating two named reference points: the ball is between the boxes. Name both reference points to make the description clear.
Where is and Where are
For one object ask Where is the key? For more than one ask Where are the keys? Replies can be It is in the bag. and They are in the bag. It replaces one object; they replaces more than one.
Worked examples
The marble is in the jar.
The marble is inside the jar.
Where are the pencils? They are on the desk.
Pencils is plural, so use are and they.
Try it yourself
Your turn
Type the missing word, number, or sign. Spaces in large numbers are allowed. Try first, then open the explanation.
Put an eraser, pencil, and book in three different places. Write an accurate description of each position.
See an example answer
The eraser is in the box. The pencil is on the book. The book is next to the bag.
Check your knowledge
Choose one answer for each question. You can revise your answers and check again.
Answer key
- under. Under means beneath.
- is. The ball is one object.
- between. Between relates the position to two named objects.
- They. Keys is plural, so use they.
- next to the box. Next to is a two-word phrase.