onto

onto — preposition

1. to a surface or position, so that movement finishes there

1.介系詞B1
釋義

to a surface or position, so that movement finishes there

例句

Leo jumped onto the stage when the singer called his name.

jump onto + surface

The cat climbed onto the warm car roof after lunch.

同義詞
  • on

    describes position, not the movement that ends there

  • to

    shows direction generally, without the idea of arriving on a surface

文法句型

jump/climb/get onto + surface

用法筆記

Often follows movement verbs such as jump, climb, roll, and spill. Use this sense when something ends up on a surface; use on when the thing is already there.

常見錯誤

❌She logged onto check her email.
✅She logged on to check her email.
💡Write 'on to' as two words when 'to' begins an infinitive.

2. used when talk, study, or attention turns to a different subject

2.介系詞B2
釋義

used when talk, study, or attention turns to a different subject

例句

After budgets, the meeting moved onto hiring plans.

move onto + next topic

The guide moved onto safety rules after the welcome speech.

同義詞
  • to

    can mark change in direction, but is less specific about switching topics

  • on to

    is often written as two words when on belongs closely to the verb phrase

文法句型

move/get onto + new topic

用法筆記

Usually follows verbs like move, get, and go. Distinguish from sense 1: no physical movement happens here; only the subject of attention changes.

3. continuing to keep something in your hands or in your possession

3.介系詞
釋義

continuing to keep something in your hands or in your possession

例句

Mia held onto the rail as the bus turned sharply.

hold onto + object

Grandpa hung onto his father's watch for fifty years.

同義詞
  • keep

    is broader and does not always suggest gripping or holding

  • hold

    focuses on the act itself; onto links the verb to the thing kept

反義詞
  • let go of

    shows releasing the object instead of keeping it

文法句型

hold/hang onto + thing

用法筆記

Usually appears after hold, hang, cling, or similar verbs. The object is something you physically grip or choose not to give up.

常見錯誤

❌Hold on the rope when the boat moves.
✅Hold onto the rope when the boat moves.
💡Use 'onto' when you mean keeping your grip on something.

4. aware of a useful person, idea, or chance that may help you

4.介系詞
釋義

aware of a useful person, idea, or chance that may help you

例句

Rita is onto a cheap printer that could save the shop money.

be onto + useful idea/source

The coach thinks the team is onto a better training plan.

同義詞
  • find

    focuses on discovery, while onto suggests recognizing value in it

  • spot

    is more momentary and less about using an advantage

文法句型

be onto + useful person/idea

用法筆記

Common in informal speech, often after be. Distinguish from sense 5: here the thing you know about is helpful or promising, not secret wrongdoing.

5. aware of someone's hidden bad action and close to proving it

5.介系詞
釋義

aware of someone's hidden bad action and close to proving it

例句

The police were onto the scammer after three bank customers complained.

be onto + person doing wrong

Maya knew her parents were onto her fake sick note.

同義詞
  • suspect

    means think something is wrong, but not necessarily be near proof

  • catch on to

    often means realize or understand; onto someone is more about discovering hidden wrongdoing

文法句型

be onto + person doing something wrong

用法筆記

Usually after be, with subjects such as police, parents, teachers, or reporters. The object is often a person trying to hide something.

6. speaking to someone, often repeatedly, to ask for action or complain

6.介系詞
釋義

speaking to someone, often repeatedly, to ask for action or complain

例句

Jade has been onto the plumber about the leaking pipe all week.

be onto someone about + problem

Parents were onto the school for clearer bus times.

同義詞
  • contact

    is neutral and does not suggest repeated pressure

  • chase

    informally suggests repeatedly asking someone to act

文法句型

be/get onto + person + about + problem

用法筆記

Common with complaints, repair requests, and repeated follow-up. Distinguish from sense 5: here you are contacting someone directly, not discovering their secret.

常見錯誤

❌I was onto with the company about the refund.
✅I was onto the company about the refund.
💡Put the person or organization directly after 'onto'.

7. so that a new part or extra item becomes attached to something else

7.介系詞
釋義

so that a new part or extra item becomes attached to something else

例句

The builder added a porch onto the front of the house.

add onto + larger thing

Lina tagged two extra questions onto the survey.

同義詞
  • add to

    can mean increase generally, not necessarily attach as an extra part

  • attach to

    focuses on joining, not on the idea of adding something extra

反義詞
  • remove from

    shows taking a part away instead of adding it

文法句型

add/tag/bolt onto + larger thing

用法筆記

Usually follows add, tag, bolt, tack, or similar verbs. The thing after onto is the main object that receives an extra part.

onto — adjective