Located On or In: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to location, it might seem like on and in mean the same thing. But, in the world of construction and real estate, these two little prepositions can make all the difference. Knowing when to use on and when to use in can be the difference between accurate communication and costly misunderstandings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between located on and located in and when it’s appropriate to use each.
Located On: The Basics
When we say something is located on a property or structure, we mean that it is physically resting on top of that surface. For example, a house that is located on a plot of land is directly atop that land. The same goes for a piece of equipment that is located on a rooftop. Essentially, the on relationship describes that the object is resting on the surface and isn’t integrated with the surface itself.
However, the located on relationship doesn’t always indicate that the object is resting directly on the surface. For example, we could say that a sign is located on a wall, and technically, the sign is not physically connected to the wall. Instead, we are referring to the sign’s structural placement in relation to the wall.
When to Use Located On
In general, we use located on when we want to describe the placement of an object in relation to a surface. This description can be useful in a variety of fields but is particularly valuable in construction and real estate. Consider the following examples:
-The HVAC system was installed on the roof of the building.
-The research staff found the documents on the table in the conference room.
-The retail store is located on the corner of Main Street and Elm.
-The artwork is hanging on the north-facing wall of the gallery.
In each of these instances, we are using located on to describe a specific placement of the object in relation to a surface.
Located In: The Basics
When we say that something is located in a property or structure, we mean that it is physically within that space. For example, a bedroom that is located in a house is contained within the boundaries of the house. The same goes for a conference room that is located in a commercial building. Essentially, the in relationship indicates that the object is integrated into the surface and cannot be removed without significant effort.
When to Use Located In
Just like located on, we use located in to describe the placement of an object in relation to a space. However, there are some key differences. When we use located in, we are often indicating a more specific relationship between the object and the space. Consider the following examples:
-The research team discovered a leak in the ceiling of the conference room.
-The art gallery is located in the renovated warehouse on the edge of town.
-The new restaurant features a bar located in the back of the space.
-The engineering lab is located in the southeast corner of the building.
In each of these examples, we are using located in to describe a more specific relationship between the object and the space.
Conclusion
In the world of construction and real estate, precise communication is essential. Knowing when to use located on and located in can help you communicate more effectively with colleagues and clients, and avoid costly misunderstandings. Remember, located on describes an object’s placement in relation to a surface, while located in describes an object’s relationship with a space. By understanding these differences, you can become a more effective communicator and make sure your message is always clear.