Word: Onto

Pronunciation

/ˈɒntoʊ/

Definitions

Preposition: Expressing movement or direction so as to be on or in contact with (a surface), or arrival at a particular point or stage.

• Onto something: Upon it; on top of it. Example: “He climbed onto the roof.”
• Onto something else: Moving from one thing to another, understanding or grasping a concept thoroughly. Example: “The detective was finally onto the suspect’s trail.”
• Onto a subject: Understanding or focusing on a topic. Example: “She quickly got onto the subject of her research.”

Phrases

• Get onto something: Start dealing with or investigating something. Example: “It’s time we get onto solving this problem.”
• Lift something onto something: Move something up and place it on something else. Example: “He lifted the box onto the shelf.”
• Onto the next phase: Moving from one stage to another in a process. Example: “After completing that task, we’re now onto the next phase.”

Example Sentences

• As a preposition: “She carefully placed the vase onto the mantelpiece.”
• Understanding/grasping: “Once he read the report, he was fully onto the complexities of the issue.”
• Transitioning: “Having completed his studies in medicine, he moved onto a residency program.”

Synonyms

• Upon
• On (in certain contexts)
• Up to (in terms of understanding or being aware)
• Over (when indicating movement onto a surface)