Words / A1

ONT-oo/ˈɒntuː/

Onto means to a position on a surface: jump onto the bus, put it onto the table. On is already there; onto is the movement towards being on. Into is movement to the inside. On to as two words is sometimes used, but onto is the usual one-word form for this meaning.

Meaning

To a position on a surface: onto the table; onto the bus.

Examples

• “The cat jumped onto the chair.”
• “He climbed onto the wall.”
• “Do not throw your bag onto the floor.”

Good to know

onto = movement to on. into = to the inside. Contrast: on (already there).

New