Key Difference: In the English language, the words “In the way” and “On the way” are completely different from each other. Without knowing their exact meanings of them, many people use them interchangeably. So today we are going to see the contradictions of them with proper examples and explanations. We can use the word “In the way” when there is something in the path that you are traveling. Whereas, the term “On the way” is used when you are going somewhere. Let’s see the differences below.
In the way: Are you sure it won’t be in the way?
On the way: It was on the way to the station.
 |  |
In the way:
An obstacle.
The term “In the way” refers to an obstacle while you are traveling somewhere. Let’s see an example to make it easy for you. She was in my way. From this statement, we might understand that someone said that there is a person in his or her way. Here we come up with another example for your reference. Lilly, you have to finish the project in the way just explained before. From this statement, we might understand that someone told Lilly to finish the project as per the rules.
How Do We Spell the Word In the way?
The phonetics pronunciation of the word In the way is ɪn-ðɪ-weɪ. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllables are phonological building blocks of words. It divides the words into parts that can help you read words more accurately. Let’s see how to split the word “In the way” using syllables. Learning syllables can also help you to spell words correctly.
- The word “In the way” has three syllables.
- It can be divided into “In-the-way.”
Using “In the way” in sentences:
- I was standing in the way.
- The girls were in the way.
- I’d just be in the way.
- Do it in the way just explained.
- He slipped his foot in the way.
On the way:
About to arrive.
We can use the term “On the way” when we are traveling or moving somewhere else. Let’s see an example to make it clear for you. I am on the way to the bus stop. From this statement, we might understand that someone is going to the bus stop now. Here we come up with another example for your reference. The parcel should be on its way and we can collect it on Monday. From this statement, we might understand that the parcel will arrive on Monday.
How Do We Spell the Word On the way?
The phonetics pronunciation of the word On the way is ɒn-ðɪ-weɪ. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “On the way” by syllables.
- The word “On the way” has three syllables.
- It can be divided into “On-the-way.”
Using “On the way” in sentences:
- I am on the way.
- We had a breakdown on the way home.
- I usually listen to the radio on the way to work.
- The bus is on the way.
- Robert, we can talk on the way.
Compare: In the way Vs On the way
This table will show you the contradiction between the words In the way and On the way.
| In the way | On the way | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It refers to an obstacle in the way. | It refers to the course of a journey. |
| Synonyms | Hence, in kind, in such a way | Coming, proceeding, traveling |
| Antonyms | Advantage | Landed, stopping |
| Etymology | In the way “so placed as to impede” is from 1560s. From the “course of life” sense comes way of life (c. 1600), get (or have) one’s way (1590s), have it (one’s) way (1709). | First appeared in the 10th century with literal meaning “by the side of the road”, from Old English weġ (which became “way”) meaning “road”. Soon afterward (circa 1000) it came to mean “during one’s journey”. |
| Examples | There are two politicians in the way. No one would stand in the way of her. It was in the way he stood. You can speak with her but not in the way that scared her. | No one spoke on the way to school. Help is on the way. She should be on the way here by now. I can see her every day on the way to the office. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Collins Dictionary (In the way, On the way), Collins Dictionary (In the way, On the way), Cambridge Dictionary (In the way, On the way), Vocabulary.com (In the way, On the way) Reference: CollinsDictionary.com[1], CollinsDictionary.com[2], Dictionary.Cambridge.org[3], Vocabulary.com[4].