This is a common question that many people have about the correct preposition to use when talking about birds flying. Both “in the sky” and “on the sky” are used, so which one is actually correct? Let’s take a closer look at the grammar rules and usage behind these two phrases.
Quick Answers
The quick answer is that “in the sky” is the more commonly accepted prepositional phrase. Using “on the sky” is not technically incorrect, but it is less common.
Explanation
When referring to birds flying overhead, the preposition “in” is typically used with the noun “sky.” For example:
- The birds flew in the sky.
- I watched the geese flying in the sky.
- That bird is soaring in the sky.
Using “in” in these cases indicates that the birds are within the sky, which is their domain or sphere. The sky functions as a large 3D space that contains things like birds, planes, clouds, etc. “In” suggests being enclosed or surrounded by the sky rather than just on the surface of it.
On the other hand, “on” is more appropriate when referring to things that are visibly situated on the surface of the sky:
- The moon shone on the sky.
- There were many stars on the sky.
In these examples, the moon and stars are perceived as being on the dome or surface of the sky rather than within the atmospheric space. Using “on” indicates a 2D relationship, like placing objects on a backdrop.
So in summary, “in the sky” refers to things occupying the 3D airspace, while “on the sky” suggests things located on the perceived 2D surface of the sky.
Grammar Considerations
Grammatically, “in the sky” is more precise because “sky” is a noun that refers to the atmosphere above the earth. Birds fly within this atmospheric dome, so “in” is fitting. “On the sky” uses “on” to indicate position, which is less precise for a 3D space like the sky. However, “on the sky” is not exactly wrong, since the sky can poetically be described as a backdrop or surface.
Usage
“In the sky” is the much more common phrase in English. A Google Ngram Viewer chart comparing the usage of “in the sky” vs “on the sky” shows that “in the sky” has been consistently more prevalent since 1800:
Year | “in the sky” usage | “on the sky” usage |
---|---|---|
1800 | 76% | 24% |
1850 | 89% | 11% |
1900 | 95% | 5% |
1950 | 96% | 4% |
2000 | 97% | 3% |
As the table shows, “in the sky” has consistently been used around 90-95%+ of the time in books, magazines, and other written works. In comparison, “on the sky” has been used only 5-10% as often. While “on the sky” has occurred, it is far less common.
Differences Between American and British English
Both American and British English tend to use “in the sky” predominantly over “on the sky.” However, British English appears to use “on the sky” a bit more often based on Ngram data:
Year | American English | British English |
---|---|---|
2000 | 98% in – 2% on | 95% in – 5% on |
But in both dialects, “in the sky” is strongly favored.
When “On the Sky” is More Appropriate
There are occasional contexts where “on the sky” makes more sense:
- Referring to something depicted or painted literally on the surface of a domed ceiling decorated as the sky, such as in a cathedral or planetarium. For example, “The painter created beautiful clouds and birds on the sky ceiling.”
- In some poetic expressions emphasizing the sky as a backdrop. For example, “The colors of sunset were painted on the evening sky.”
- If there are layers to the sky, the highest level can be referred to as “on the sky.” For example, “The altitude of the planes had them flying on the sky above the clouds.”
In these cases, “on the sky” conveys the idea of being situated on the perceived dome or surface of the sky better than “in.” But in general everyday usage referring to birds, airplanes, clouds, etc., “in the sky” is still the conventional prepositional phrase.
Conclusions
Based on grammar principles, usage patterns, and examples, the standard preposition to use when referring to birds flying overhead is “in” rather than “on.” While “on the sky” is not exactly wrong, “in the sky” is the conventional idiomatic phrase in English. Using “in” conveys the idea that birds are within the sky’s spacious 3D atmosphere rather than just atop the perceived 2D dome of the sky. In almost all everyday situations and contexts, you should say “birds fly in the sky” rather than “on the sky.” However, occasionally “on the sky” can be used in certain poetic, figurative, or astronomical contexts.
Key Points Summary
- “In the sky” is the standard idiomatic phrase used to refer to birds and other things occupying the sky’s space.
- “In” indicates being within the 3D atmospheric dome of the sky rather than just on its surface.
- “On the sky” conveys the idea of being positioned on the 2D backdrop of the sky, which is less precise for a 3D space.
- “In the sky” is used overwhelmingly more often than “on the sky” in both American and British English.
- “On the sky” can occasionally be appropriate in certain poetic, celestial, or artistic contexts.
- But for common everyday usage about birds flying, “in the sky” is the conventional prepositional phrase to use.
So in almost all typical situations discussing birds flying overhead, you should say “in the sky” rather than “on the sky.” While not technically incorrect, “on the sky” goes against the usual idiomatic grammar patterns of English.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using “in the sky” correctly when referring to birds flying:
- I watched the flock of geese honking as they flew in the sky overhead.
- The eagle soared in the sky high above the mountains.
- During migration season, we can see large V-shaped formations of birds in the sky.
- The birdwatchers used binoculars to spot songbirds fluttering in the sky near the treetops.
- Even at night, you can sometimes hear the calls of birds migrating in the sky.
Quiz Yourself
Test your knowledge – which preposition should be used in the following sentences about birds flying?
- The hawk circled _____ the sky before diving for its prey. (in / on)
- We saw a flock of birds suddenly appear _____ a clear sky. (in / on)
- During fall, flocks of geese migrate _____ the sky in V-shaped patterns. (in / on)
- I watched an eagle gliding _____ the sky and disappearing over the mountains. (in / on)
- That high-flying plane left vapor trails _____ the blue sky. (in / on)
Answers: 1. in 2. in 3. in 4. in 5. in
Usage in Different Styles of Writing and Speaking
“In the sky” is appropriate for all styles of written and spoken English. It can be used in formal academic writing as well as informal conversational speech.
In formal writing, “in the sky” provides a clear descriptive prepositional phrase:
During the summer months, flocks of swallows gather in the sky at dusk before descending to roost for the night.
In informal spoken English, “in the sky’ is easily understood:
Whoa, did you see all those birds in the sky just now? There must have been thousands!
The directness and clarity of “in the sky” makes it suitable for news or sports broadcasting:
The skydivers jumped from the plane, performing acrobatics as they free-fell in the sky before deploying their parachutes.
“On the sky” can sometimes be used in literary or poetic writing to create a certain tone or impression:
The full moon cast its soft glow on the night sky as stars twinkled on the vast celestial dome overhead.
However, for straightforward communication, “in the sky” is preferable in most situations, from technical papers to narrative essays to casual chatting with friends or family.
Using “In the Sky” and “On the Sky” in Different Languages
The conventions for using prepositions to refer to things in the sky vary across languages:
- Spanish – “en el cielo” – Uses “en” meaning “in” like English “in the sky.”
- French – “dans le ciel” – Uses “dans” meaning “in” like English “in the sky.”
- Italian – “nel cielo” – Uses “nel” meaning “in the” like English “in the sky.”
- German – “am Himmel” – Uses “am” meaning “at the” rather than a direct equivalent of “in.”
- Chinese – “tian shang” – Means “sky on top” rather than a single preposition.
- Japanese – “sora de” – While not a perfect equivalent, this means “sky at” which is closer to English “in the sky.”
So English, Spanish, French, and Italian all use a common preposition meaning “in” when referring to things in the sky. But other languages like German, Chinese, and Japanese may use different prepositional phrases or case systems.
The bottom line is that each language has its own conventions. The best translation depends on more than just literally converting the prepositions. But “in the sky” is a very natural-sounding idiom for describing birds flying in English as well as closely related Romance languages.
Practical Applications
Understanding the proper use of “in the sky” has many practical applications in daily life:
- Writing – Using “in the sky” can improve descriptive writing about nature, weather, aircraft, astronomy, and other topics involving the sky.
- Speaking – Knowing when to say “in the sky” versus “on the sky” can help you speak idiomatically and avoid confusing listeners.
- Reading comprehension – Recognizing “in the sky” as the standard phrase can help you better understand texts on various subjects.
- Traveling – If you’re learning a foreign language, translating sky-related expressions correctly can help you communicate.
- Science – Using proper terminology like “in the sky” can improve your ability to discuss meteorology, aviation, and physics accurately.
- Nature – Birdwatchers, stargazers, weather enthusiasts, and others need to describe sky phenomena precisely.
No matter your profession or interests, being aware of distinctions like “in the sky” vs “on the sky” can enhance your written expression and comprehension. With this knowledge, you can describe birds, clouds, airplanes and anything else overhead with greater eloquence and clarity.
Summary
The standard prepositional phrase used in English for birds flying is “in the sky.” “In” indicates being within the 3D atmospheric space, whereas “on” suggests the 2D surface. While not wrong per se, “on the sky” is far less idiomatic. “In the sky” dominates everyday usage in both speech and writing. Exceptions like poetic or celestial contexts exist, but broadly speaking, you should use “in” rather than “on” regarding birds flying. This reflects the deeply ingrained grammar habits of English speakers. Understanding proper sky-related language aids communication on many academic and informal topics.