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Tutor Maynk 's Column

Writing Nuances in English #1

2023-04-05

You are visiting your friend who only speaks English in her country. You text her on the flight- Finally, I am onboard!
 
Wait! Is it onboard or on board?
 
Do you know the difference?

English vocabulary contains many words made by combining two, or at times, more than two words. And usually we don't use a Hyphen(-) while writing. One such word is made by combining 'on' and 'board'.
 
The new word we get is "Onboard" which is a single word, also occasionally written as on-board. This word is both an adjective and a verb. Its simple meaning is: to join or to be a part of something.
For ex- An onboard fingerprint scanner; Onboarding of new students.

On board is a prepositional phrase. It can also be used as an adverb in the given context. We use this phrase when we are going to be on a vehicle or a means of transportation. We also use this to show agreement to an idea, a plan, a question, etc,.
For ex- Finally, I am on board!; We are going to study all night. Are you on board?

Side Note: Of course, there is a third case where a 'chessboard' or a 'blackboard' is mentioned in the context. Make sure you use an article(a, the) while writing to avoid confusion in such cases.
For ex- The wasp entered through the window and came to rest on the board.

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