Question Re: "Into" versus "Onto"

[AsylumSeeker]

Still reading War and Peace and noticed that in every reference to "porch", it was "walked into" versus "walked onto". I am hereby making an assumption that porches during the time of Leo Tolstory were all enclosed, as if rooms. Could be wrong...

But this brought light to another questions I have. During my editing I have seen many "into" references as opposed to "onto". Does one sit "on" a couch or "in" a couch?

I realize this is petty, but it does also verbalize my personal commitment to "doing the right thing", and to give others another shot at me, in case they missed previously...

 

[sr71plt]

If the porch has a roof and any form of enclosure--columns would do--than "into" can be used. So can "onto." Authors choice.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

If the porch has a roof and any form of enclosure--columns would do--than "into" can be used. So can "onto." Authors choice.

Thanks, SR, but the question was primarily does one "sit in" or "sit on" a couch?

Again, minor, just asking. Thanks for your kind and timely response.

BTW, never thought I would ACTUALLY enjoy reading War and Peace... fascinating!

'Nuff said...

 

[AsylumSeeker]

If the porch has a roof and any form of enclosure--columns would do--than "into" can be used. So can "onto." Authors choice.

Not sure Leo is around to be censured, lol

 

[sr71plt]

Thanks, SR, but the question was primarily does one "sit in" or "sit on" a couch?

Again, minor, just asking. Thanks for your kind and timely response.

BTW, never thought I would ACTUALLY enjoy reading War and Peace... fascinating!

'Nuff said...

Depends on the couch, I guess. If it has cushions that swallow you, you're sitting in it; if you're perching, you're sitting on it.

 

[PacoFear]

FWIW, I'm with SR. For couches you might sink "into" a particularly plushy one, but otherwise sit "on" a couch.

Along the same vein, AS, seems funny to me, now that you mention it, that typically we sit "on" a couch but "in" a chair. Makes me sympathetic with the folks trying trying to learn our effed up language.

-PF

 

[sr71plt]

FWIW, I'm with SR. For couches you might sink "into" a particularly plushy one, but otherwise sit "on" a couch.

Along the same vein, AS, seems funny to me, now that you mention it, that typically we sit "on" a couch but "in" a chair. Makes me sympathetic with the folks trying trying to learn our effed up language.

-PF

I think you sit on a straight chair, but in a chair with arms (because the arms are enfolding you.) It isn't the same with a couch unless your butt is so big you stretch from one arm to the other one.

 

[PacoFear]

Hrrrm, is there perhaps a regional component to the "in" vs. "on" with respect to chairs? I'm in the midatlantic US and "sitting in a chair" and "have a seat in that chair" predominate.

But then again this is the culture that brought you "going down the shore" so we have our flaws.

 

[sr71plt]

I'm in the MidAtlantic (now) too. I've never seen sitting "in" a straight chair, though. Only "on." I'll have to try to remember to watch for that. (maybe)

 

[snoopercharmbrights]

... the question was primarily does one "sit in" or "sit on" a couch? ...

UK version is to sit on a couch. We also sit on a chair unless it has arms (see http://www.captainschair.co.uk/pics/c2.jpg) when we would sit in it.

 

[wildehafer]

Sometimes there isn't necessarily a hard and fast rule (or even correct one). The English language is so rich and diverse that we get a choice of expression to suit mood, occasion, setting, imagination or whatever.

You should know if it is not correct, but beyond that use what you deem fit!

 

[favoritesgoddess]

I go "on" the porch whether or not it's enclosed.

I sit in a chair but on a couch. Sometimes I sink into the cushions when I sit on the couch. And sometimes I sit on a cushion when I sit in a chair.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

Thanks all. Will no longer concern myself with "in" versus "on" and will allow the author to write as they see fit, as it appears the two can be interchangeable. Not that I changed things before, but did express my opinion, now will cease doing so.

Onward to more edits!

 

[_Lynn_]

Thanks all. Will no longer concern myself with "in" versus "on" and will allow the author to write as they see fit, as it appears the two can be interchangeable. Not that I changed things before, but did express my opinion, now will cease doing so.

Onward to more edits!

I sit on a chair and on the sofa.

But I don't walk through the door. I'm not a ghost.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

But I don't walk through the door. I'm not a ghost.

Hi ML. Looking back I see no comment to which you refer. Just a bit confused, and perhaps the only one and I am blind to the obvious, would not be the first time.

 

[_Lynn_]

Hi ML. Looking back I see no comment to which you refer. Just a bit confused, and perhaps the only one and I am blind to the obvious, would not be the first time.

Oh, I just added it to the mix of the conversation for the heck of it. I've often read where someone walked through the door and figured that was similar to the in/on. Sorry to confuse you.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

Oh, I just added it to the mix of the conversation for the heck of it. I've often read where someone walked through the door and figured that was similar to the in/on. Sorry to confuse you.

A nice addition, thanks. Just was caught off guard.

 

[Sanichi]

But I don't walk through the door.

Some people do! I guess it's understood that you pass through the doorWAY, same as coming in through the window doesn't mean breaking the glass.

About in versus on, if you live "on" an island, in what context would you live "in" the country (if it comprised one), e.g. on Grenada or Malta but in Singapore or Australia?

 

[elfin_odalisque]

Oh, I just added it to the mix of the conversation for the heck of it. I've often read where someone walked through the door and figured that was similar to the in/on. Sorry to confuse you.

ML, ye be descending to the dark and damp caverns of the tropes. Your example is a metonym, just like, 'they drank a glass', 'she swallowed a cup', 'the Vatican said', 'she took a chair', even, 'the White House advised'.

In our little corner, we understand the difference between, 'she lay in the bed' and 'she lay on the bed', usually tied up.

AS,

I go with sr.

In Britspeak, a porch (portico, porta, porte - gate) is something you go through - ergo, into. That seems to be what Webster's says, but I guess a conflation with 'going out on the deck' makes both uses possible.

Just to stir the pot, how about 'the two lovers slid into the love seat'?

 

[sr71plt]

About in versus on, if you live "on" an island, in what context would you live "in" the country (if it comprised one), e.g. on Grenada or Malta but in Singapore or Australia?

By convention and custom. As a writer, your goal is to keep your reader going with the flow of the read. If you want the reader to be distracted by not following the conventions and customs, even when they are contradictory to something else, then you will succeed when you don't follow the conventions and customs.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

Some people do! I guess it's understood that you pass through the doorWAY, same as coming in through the window doesn't mean breaking the glass.

About in versus on, if you live "on" an island, in what context would you live "in" the country (if it comprised one), e.g. on Grenada or Malta but in Singapore or Australia?

Ah, good point. I don't live "on" Antartica, I live "in" Antartica. Although I do believe the intent is that one lives "within" a society, as opposed to "on" a society.

Interesting all the same.

 

[sr71plt]

Just to stir the pot, how about 'the two lovers slid into the love seat'?

I'd write it that way. Again, they are being embraced by the seat, even as embracing each other. An "inside something" feel to it.

 

[_Lynn_]

ML, ye be descending to the dark and damp caverns of the tropes. Your example is a metonym, just like, 'they drank a glass', 'she swallowed a cup', 'the Vatican said', 'she took a chair', even, 'the White House advised'.

In our little corner, we understand the difference between, 'she lay in the bed' and 'she lay on the bed', usually tied up.

AS,

I go with sr.

In Britspeak, a porch (portico, porta, porte - gate) is something you go through - ergo, into. That seems to be what Webster's says, but I guess a conflation with 'going out on the deck' makes both uses possible.

Just to stir the pot, how about 'the two lovers slid into the love seat'?

I didn't mean to. Honest.

I was just . . .

I meant . . .

But . . .

 

[elfin_odalisque]

Thanks,

Come on, face the challenge of 'lying in/on' the bed'.

Despite your comments, I think we agree more than we disagree.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

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