correct preposition

[Tan Elaine]

When we stepped onto the sandy beach, a gentle breeze blew in/on/onto our faces.

Which preposition should I use?

Many thanks in advance.

[Barb_D]

Well, this is actually a harder question than you think.

The usual way to say is "The wind was in our face," or "the wind blew in our face."

The problem is the idea of "gentle breezes" doing anyting "In our face." It sounds very hard and direct when the wind is in your face, not a lovely, warm breeze.

We stepped out ont the beach and gentle breezes cooled us.

We stepped out into the storm and the wind blew hard in our faces.

Do you see?

It's not a matter of grammar but of what association the phrase creates.

[Tan Elaine]

Hi Barb

I'm confused.

When we stepped onto the sandy beach, a gentle breeze blew in/on/onto our faces.

Are you saying that I can use any one of the prepositions?

I'm sorry for being so slow in understanding. Excuse me for that.

Many thanks for your help.

[Barb_D]

Of the prepositions, "in" is correct.

However, when we think of things that "blow in our face," we think of strong winds, and it's unpleasant. We don't think of gentle breezes, which are probably pleasant.

[Tan Elaine]

Hi Barb

Many thanks for the reply below.

Of the prepositions, "in" is correct.

However, when we think of things that "blow in our face," we think of strong winds, and it's unpleasant. We don't think of gentle breezes, which are probably pleasant.

Could you please let me know why 'in' should be used since 'in' is used in relation to something unpleasant. However, gentle breezes are pleasant and yet we use 'in'.

Sorry for being a slow learner. I feel quite stupid asking you this question.

[RonBee]

Whatever word you choose depends on what other words you use. Example:

As we walked on the sandy beach the sun shone brightly. A gentle breeze blew in off the salty sea. We could hear the seagulls. We could see footprints in the sand.

[Tan Elaine]

Hi RonBee

Many thanks for your reply and patience. I deeply appreciate your helpfulness.

[Barb_D]

Thanks Ron. I was making a hash of it.

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by Barb_D

Thanks Ron. I was making a hash of it.

No problem.


(Actually, I didn't think you were doing that badly.)

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Additional commentary:

The phrase "in your face" (or "in my face" or "in our faces") is strongly suggestive of confrontation. As for "onto our faces" that would, I think, be used somewhat like "onto the beach". As for:

When we stepped onto the sandy beach, a gentle breeze blew in/on/onto our faces.

I wouldn't use that at all. I would say something like:

As we walked on the sandy beach we felt a gentle breeze on our faces. It was the perfect holiday. I will remember it always. It was the last day I saw her. Thinking about that day brings back memories happy and sad.

[Tan Elaine]

Many thanks, RonBee, for the additional information.