in or on.

[Wesley P]

In Brazil kids are always playing soccer in the streets.
(in the streets or on the streets?)

I was told that when we refer to houses on streets, roads, avenues, etc, we use "on", but this is different:

The kids are playing in the middle of the streets, thats why I used "in" instead of "on".

Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Barb_D]

As an American, I would say "in the streets."

 

[Rover_KE]

As an American, I would say "in the streets."

As an Englishman, so would I.

Rover

 

[Barb_D]

I do get mixed up with your use of "They lived in Elm Street" or "I saw him in the street" though.

The first we would not say and the second means he's where the cars go.

What do they mean to you?

 

[bhaisahab]

I do get mixed up with your use of "They lived in Elm Street" or "I saw him in the street" though.

The first we would not say and the second means he's where the cars go.

What do they mean to you?

To me "They lived in Elm Street" means that their house is located in Elm Street. "Elm Street" consisting of the houses on each side, the pavements (sidewalks) and the roadway for vehicles running between. It's the same for "I saw him in Elm Street" he was in the street, maybe on the pavement, crossing the roadway or in the front garden of a house.

 

[Barb_D]

That's what I thought, thanks. For us, if we see him in front of his house, on the sidewalk, standing at the corner, etc. that would be "on the street."