[Vocabulary] the difference between on the air and in the air

[guoqianchen]

Hi,Here
I want to know the usage of the phrase "in the air " and "on the air".
THANK YOU!:roll:

 

[susiedqq]

It depends on HOW it is used.

What is the context?

 

[engee30]

♥♦♣♠ NOT A TEACHER ♥♦♣♠
I think it would suffice to tell you, guoqianchen, that on the air is a technical term used in radio and television. The other one (in the air), roughly speaking, means that somebody or something is not on the ground.

 

[e2e4]

Is it possible to say

I can smell fear in the air.

Thanks

 

[Barb_D]

Is it possible to say

I can smell fear in the air.

Thanks

Yes, and you can sense the excitement in the air as well.

I would limit "on the air" to references to broadcasting.