Which of these is correct: "I am on the train" or "I am in the train"?
RegDwigнt
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asked Feb 26, 2011 at 12:58
Both, but they are used differently. Being on the train is the most common use.
When you travel by train, you usually say that you are on the train.
If you want to describe your position, you could say that you are in the train, for example:
The train has derailed, I have a broken leg. You can find me in the train.
answered Feb 26, 2011 at 13:06
GuffaGuffa
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Being on the train has the sense of being aboard or being a passenger on a conveyance.
Being in the train has the sense of being a component member of the train. Keep in mind that the word train refers to more than just railroads, and that a railroad train is something that comprises a group of connected cars and locomotive engines. It is proper to say that the car you are riding in is in the train. You would be in the train if you were part of a walking tour group or pilgrimage -- or even caught up in a conga line.
answered Feb 26, 2011 at 19:22
byebye
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To answer this question, I cannot offer a better explanation than you will find in this George Carlin monologue: On airlines and flying.
You'll want to listen to the whole thing, but the part that addresses your question begins at 2:55 in the video.
Essentially, Carlin is making fun of the seemingly arbitrary prepositions English uses. We say "get on the airplane" when what you're actually doing is getting in the airplane.
Carlin also pokes fun at the idea of an "almost" collision between two aircraft being called a "near miss": "It's a near hit, gang!" he points out.
Laurel♦
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answered Feb 26, 2011 at 13:36
RobustoRobusto
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I am in the train right now. (I'm not outside the train.)
I am on the train right now. (Could be I'm travelling on the train.)
Hope that answers your question.
answered Feb 26, 2011 at 13:17
ykombinatorykombinator
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You're on because you got on. Like you're in the shower, bath or car because you got in. Unless you're on the roof of the car.
If you are on the roof of the train, you're on [the] top of the train. When you're on the train, you can go in the buffet car, when you do, you'll be in the buffet car of the train.
You also get off the train, but get out of your car, bath or shower. Probably because you got on, possibly because it is short for getting on board.
The word train, is from the French verb traîner, to pull. So it's called a train because it's being pulled, that might explain why you need to be on the train (to be pulled), rather than in it (to be pulling).
answered Feb 26, 2011 at 23:13
I'm on the train, but I'm in carriage D. Don't ask my why; there's often no rhyme or reason to English prepositions.
answered Feb 26, 2011 at 22:30
onestoponestop
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