inscribe on + surface
Writing on a physical surface
Use on for stones, walls, plaques, and objects.
The date was inscribed on the monument.
Inscribe on, in, or with?
Use inscribe on for surfaces, inscribe in for books or records, and inscribe with for the words or symbols added.
Quick answer
Which preposition follows inscribe?
Different prepositions are used depending on the meaning. On refers to a surface, in to a book or register, and with to the words or markings used.
Her name was inscribed on the plaque.
The message was inscribed in the guest book.
The ring was inscribed with a short poem.
The message was inscribed in the guest book.
The ring was inscribed with a short poem.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
inscribe in + book/register
Entering information in records
Use in for books, lists, and official records.
Their names were inscribed in the memorial register.
inscribe with + words/symbols
Describing the inscription itself
Use with for the content added.
The cup was inscribed with her initials.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
inscribe on
The quote was inscribed on the wall.
written onto a surface
inscribe in
His name was inscribed in the record book.
entered into a document or register
inscribe with
The medal was inscribed with a date.
showing the words or symbols used
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using on for books
Use in for books, lists, and records.
✕ Her name was inscribed on the register. ✓ Her name was inscribed in the register.Confusing surface and content
On names the surface; with names the inscription itself.
✓ The stone was inscribed with a prayer.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The dedication was inscribed ___ the first page.
2. Their names were inscribed ___ the official record.
3. The bracelet was inscribed ___ a Latin phrase.
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Frequently asked questions
Can inscribe be used figuratively?
Yes. Writers may speak of memories inscribed in the mind.
What is the difference between engrave and inscribe?
Engrave emphasizes cutting into a surface, while inscribe focuses on the written words.
Is inscribe formal?
Yes. It is more formal than write or carve.
Related preposition guides
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