wrong preposition: 'On addition' (In addition)


Using 'on addition' is non-idiomatic. Use 'in addition' (or 'in addition to + noun') to mean 'also' or 'besides', or use simpler alternatives like 'also' or 'plus' for a more natural tone.

Below: short rules, many wrong→right pairs, quick rewrites, and tone-specific examples for work, school, and casual writing.

Quick answer

Replace 'on addition' with 'in addition' (as a connector) or 'in addition to' (before a noun). For a less formal tone, use 'also', 'plus', or 'besides'.

  • 'In addition' = furthermore: 'In addition, we reviewed the budget.'
  • 'In addition to' + noun = alongside something: 'In addition to the budget, attach the forecast.'
  • Casual alternatives: 'also', 'plus', 'besides'.

Why 'in addition' - core explanation

'In addition' is the idiomatic way to add information. It appears either as a sentence connector or as a prepositional phrase with 'to' before a noun phrase.

'On' expresses position, contact, or time-not logical addition. That's why 'on addition' sounds wrong.

  • Connector: 'In addition, [clause].' - adds another point.
  • Prepositional: 'In addition to [noun], [clause].' - adds an item alongside another.
  • Connector example: In addition, we need two more volunteers.
  • Prepositional example: In addition to the volunteers, we must order supplies.

Grammar note: placement and punctuation

When 'In addition' starts a sentence as a connector, follow it with a comma. 'In addition to' must be followed by a noun phrase and does not take a comma before that noun phrase.

  • Correct: 'In addition, please review the file.'
  • Correct: 'In addition to the file, attach the spreadsheet.'
  • Incorrect: 'On addition, please review the file.' or 'In addition with the file...'
  • Punctuation: 'In addition, I recommend reallocating funds.'
  • No comma: 'In addition to her salary, she receives a bonus.'

Real usage and tone: work, school, casual

Match formality to the context. Use 'in addition' or 'in addition to' in formal and neutral writing; use 'also', 'plus', or 'besides' in speech and informal messages.

  • Work (formal): 'In addition to the quarterly report, attach the updated forecast.'
  • Work (email): 'In addition, please confirm your availability for the meeting.'
  • School (essay): 'In addition to the main study, the paper examines long-term trends.'
  • School (lab): 'In addition to the samples, include the blank control.'
  • Casual: 'Also, I'll bring drinks.' or 'Plus, we can stop for ice cream afterward.'

Common examples: wrong → right pairs

Replace 'on addition' with 'in addition' or choose a simpler alternative. Realistic pairs below show common sentence shapes.

  • Wrong: On addition to the team, we hired two developers.
    Right: In addition to the team, we hired two developers.
  • Wrong: Please attach your references on addition to your CV.
    Right: Please attach your references in addition to your CV.
  • Wrong: On addition, we must review the budget before Friday.
    Right: In addition, we must review the budget before Friday.
  • Wrong: On addition to the gift, she included a handwritten note.
    Right: In addition to the gift, she included a handwritten note.
  • Wrong: On addition to the points above, consider the timeline.
    Right: In addition to the points above, consider the timeline.
  • Wrong: We will, on addition, provide training sessions next month.
    Right: We will, in addition, provide training sessions next month.
  • Work wrong: On addition to the quarterly figures, send the projections.Work right: In addition to the quarterly figures, send the projections.
  • School wrong: On addition to the literature review, include a methodology section.School right: In addition to the literature review, include a methodology section.
  • Casual wrong: On addition, I'll bring chips to the party.Casual right: Also, I'll bring chips to the party. (Or: In addition, I'll bring chips.)

Try your own sentence

Judge the whole sentence, not just the phrase. Read it aloud: if 'in addition' sounds stiff, swap in 'also' or restructure the sentence.

Rewrite help: quick patterns and edits

Three quick editing steps: replace 'on' with 'in' when appropriate; pick 'in addition' (connector) or 'in addition to' (before a noun); or use 'also'/'additionally' or combine clauses for flow.

  • Pattern A (connector): 'In addition, [clause].' → 'In addition, we will review the plan.'
  • Pattern B (prepositional): 'In addition to [noun], [clause].' → 'In addition to the plan, review the timeline.'
  • Alternatives: 'Also' / 'Additionally' / 'Plus' or merge: 'We will review the plan and the timeline.'
  • Rewrite 1: Original: 'On addition to my schedule, I can help.' → 'In addition to my schedule, I can help.' Or: 'I can help as well.'
  • Rewrite 2: Original: 'Please include the data on addition to the appendix.' → 'Please include the data in addition to the appendix.' Or: 'Please also include the data in the appendix.'
  • Rewrite 3: Original: 'On addition, we delayed the launch.' → 'In addition, we delayed the launch.' Or: 'We also delayed the launch.'
  • Rewrite 4: Original: 'Send the slides on addition to the notes.' → 'Send the slides in addition to the notes.' Or: 'Send both the slides and the notes.'
  • Rewrite 5: Original: 'On addition to the committee, we invited external reviewers.' → 'In addition to the committee, we invited external reviewers.' Or: 'We also invited external reviewers.'
  • Rewrite 6: Original: 'On addition, confirm the venue.' → 'In addition, please confirm the venue.' Or: 'Please also confirm the venue.'

Memory trick: three quick cues

Use small cues to spot the error fast.

  • 'Add → In' - if you mean to add information, choose 'in'.
  • 'To + noun? Use "in addition to".'
  • If it sounds clumsy, substitute 'also' or 'additionally' and re-check.
  • Proofread tip: Search your draft for 'on addition' and change it to 'in addition' or a simpler alternative.

Similar mistakes to watch for

Confusing 'on' and 'in' here often coincides with other preposition or adverb issues.

  • 'Additionally' and 'In addition' are often interchangeable at the start of a sentence: 'Additionally, we noted...' vs 'In addition, we noted...'.
  • 'Besides' is more informal and can add a contrast: 'Besides, I don't agree.'
  • Don't confuse 'upon' (meaning 'after' or 'on top of') with 'in addition'.
  • Usage fixes: Wrong: 'In addition with the report...' →
    Right: 'In addition to the report...' or 'Along with the report...'
  • Usage fixes: Wrong: 'Upon addition, we will...' →
    Right: 'In addition, we will...' (if you mean 'also')

Spacing, punctuation and hyphenation notes

No hyphens inside 'in addition' or 'in addition to'. Use a comma after 'In addition' when it begins a sentence. Avoid extra spaces or incorrect hyphenation.

  • Correct: 'In addition, please review.'
  • Correct: 'In addition to the report, attach the data.'
  • Do not write: 'In-addition', 'in addition-to', or 'On addition'.
  • Note: 'Add-in' (hyphenated) refers to software plug-ins and is unrelated to 'in addition'.

FAQ

Is 'on addition' ever correct?

Not to mean 'besides' or 'furthermore.' Treat 'on addition' as a non-idiomatic error; use 'in addition' or 'in addition to'.

Can I use 'additionally' instead?

Yes. 'Additionally' works like 'In addition' at the start of a sentence-choose based on rhythm and clarity: 'Additionally, we improved the process.'

Do I need a comma after 'in addition'?

If 'In addition' begins the sentence as a connector, use a comma. Do not put a comma before a noun phrase after 'in addition to'.

What's the fastest fix in casual writing?

Swap 'on addition' for 'also', 'plus', or a short rephrase: 'I'll also...' or 'I'll bring...' These read naturally in conversation.

How can I stop typing 'on' by mistake?

Use the proofreading cue 'Add → In', search for 'on addition' in your draft, and add an editing note to watch common prepositions.

Want a quick check?

Try replacing 'on addition' with 'in addition' or a simpler alternative and read the sentence aloud. If you edit prepositions often, paste a sentence into a grammar tool to see suggestions.

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