on a list vs. in a list

[Nefertiti]

Hi there.

"The item is on the shopping list."

"next (pronoun) - the person or thing in a list, series etc that comes after the person or thing you are dealing with now:"

1. What are the differences between 'on a list' and 'in a list'?

Thanks,

[LwyrFirat]

Not sure but I think.

“On the list” emphasises on the material(which has surface) which the list is added

“In the list” emphasises on the contents , reason for listing,


Ex:

I couldn’t see my name on the list which was on the notice board.

I couldn’t see my name in the list of the most successful students


Not sure, this was just my observation

I am neither a native, nor a teacher, please correct me if I am wrong.

[justinwschang]

Originally Posted by Nefertiti

Hi there.

"The item is on the shopping list." [The item is (written) on the shopping list; The item is (included) in the shopping list; both okay, depends on the unspoken word]

"next (pronoun) - the person or thing in a list, series etc that comes after the person or thing you are dealing with now:" ["in" is used because it has a wider application (anything that is contained or included therein), but "on" means being included on the surface of something, such as writing]

1. What are the differences between 'on a list' and 'in a list'?

Thanks,