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Old 21-Nov-2003, 19:42
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Default "in or on " , " at or on"

"in the newspaper " or " on the newspaper"

what's the difference between at the bottom of the box and on the bottom the box? could you possibly give me a few examples, please?


in addition , Are these two sentences below idiomatic expressions ?

1. there is a problem with my car, the problem is when I step on the gas slightly, the car has no reaction until I step on the gas slightly deeper.

2. My car has a problem , the problem is when I step on the gas slightly , there is no reaction to my car until I step on the gas slightly deeper
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Old 21-Nov-2003, 20:05
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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.
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Old 21-Nov-2003, 22:39
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'On the newspaper' would be used if something was physically on the newspaper- like a coffee cup.
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Old 22-Nov-2003, 16:51
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thank you all so much for the answers! :D :D :D
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Old 22-Nov-2003, 17:10
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You're very welcome!

:D :D
:D :D
:D :D
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