Say
in the newspaper. Example:
- I read it in the newspaper.
Something that is
at the bottom of the box is probably in the box, possibly beneath other things. Example:
- You'll have to dig down in there. It's at the bottom of the box.
Something that is
on the bottom of the box is probably on the outside of the box. Example:
- You'll have to turn it (the box) over. It's on the bottom of the box.
Say:
- The car doesn't do anything when I step on the gas. I have to press down hard on the pedal before anything happens.
Or:
- The car doesn't respond when I step on the gas. I have to press down hard on the pedal before anything happens.