I live on a blok/ I live in a blok

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough explain to me why the correct preposition in the following sentence from a quize is "on" and not "in".

I live on a quite block next to Central Park.

Each one of us know that people live in the building and not on the roof.

Thank you in advance for your efforts.

Regards.

V.

[Soup]

Both are OK, vil, but on collates with block. That is, the two tend to go together.

In North American English, the concept is that houses and buildings are situated on a street or block.

[vil]

Hi Soup,

Thank you for your well-judged particularization. I have to remember that the sentence in question describe a situation not in Bulgaria, but in USA, where the term “block” have a few different meanings. I see now the reason that prompted me to put this question on the table for discussion.

block (n) = a large building divided into separate units, such as apartments.

block (n) = a usually rectangular section of a city or town bounded on each side by consecutive streets;
area defined (enclosed) by perimeter streets or distance between street intersections.

Thank you also or your kindness. You didn’t scoff at my ignorance.

Regards.

V.

[engee30]

In Vil's sentence, it's not a building that is the case. It's an area of buildings and streets considered as a whole. So you can only say:
I live on a quiet block near Central Park. (part of neighbourhood)
but:
I live in a block (of flats) near Central Park. (building)

And what the band New Kids on the Block? It's not a building that is referred to, it's neighbourhood.

[vil]

Hi engee30,

Thank you for your precise particularization.

The problem was solved with the invaluable help of all you.

Thank you again for your backing in my labour-consuming undertaking..

Regards.

V.