They are spelled almost exactly the same
Save for a tiny space – and when pronounced, they sound the same. So when should you use ‘on to’ and when should you use ‘onto’? Let’s find out. When to Use ‘On to’ You can use ‘on to’ in cases where the word ‘on’ is part of a phrasal verb, and ‘to’ connects it with the rest of the sentence. What is a phrasal verb, you ask? It’s a verb that consists of more than one word. Here’s a list of some phrasal verbs: Call off Log in Work on Ask for Bear with Move on Get up Hold on Phrasal verbs can be followed by prepositions that connect them to the rest of the sentence. If you take a phrasal verb that ends in ‘on’ ‘you can connect Denmark Phone Number Data it with the rest of the sentence using the preposition ‘to.’ For example: I’m confident she’ll go on to do amazing things. Put the belongings you want to hold on to in the box labeled “to keep”. You guys broke up ages ago; it’s time to move on to brighter pastures. When to Use ‘Onto’ ‘Onto,’ on the other hand, is a preposition in and of its own right. You can use it in different contexts.
To Indicate Movement
The first way you can use ‘onto’ is to indicate movement toward a location. Here are some more examples: Sally walked onto the bridge with caution. In the sentence above, the assumption is that Sally was not initially on the bridge. Had we said, “Sally walked on the bridge with caution,” this would indicate that she was already on the bridge from the beginning of the sentence, and she carried on walking on it with caution. Using the word ‘onto’ demonstrates a change of location from off the bridge to on the bridge. Here are some more examples: He pulled out onto the main road. Pop your bag onto the chair, and I’ll grab us a glass of wine. The snow fell onto the ground in large flakes. To AO Lists Indicate Knowledge ‘Onto’ also has an idiomatic meaning. When you say that you’re onto something or someone, you have knowledge or awareness about it. For example: David put me onto this idea. The above sentence means that you have an idea, and David was the one who told you about it. Here are some more examples: You need to be modeling the best behavior right now; the boss is onto you. I think the police are onto him.
