On This Week Or In This Week

On This Week vs. In This Week: A Comprehensive Guide to Grammatical Precision

Choosing between "on this week" and "in this week" can feel surprisingly tricky, even for seasoned writers. While both phrases attempt to convey an event occurring within the current week, only one is grammatically correct. This detailed guide will explore the nuances of these phrases, explain the correct usage, and offer alternative expressions for clarity and precision in your writing.

Understanding the Prepositions: "On," "In," and "This Week"

The core of the confusion lies in the prepositions "on" and "in." These words indicate the relationship between a time frame and an event.

• "On" typically indicates a specific point in time: We use "on" with days of the week (on Monday), specific dates (on January 1st), and holidays (on Christmas). It points to a precise moment or a singular day.

• "In" generally refers to a period or duration of time: We use "in" with months (in December), years (in 2024), seasons (in summer), and longer time spans. It encompasses a broader timeframe.

• "This week" denotes the current seven-day period: It's a specific, yet relatively large, timeframe. It doesn't pinpoint a singular day but rather a collection of days.

Because "this week" represents a duration, not a single point, using "on this week" is grammatically incorrect. The preposition "on" doesn't align with the extended timeframe "this week" represents.

Why "In This Week" is Incorrect (and Why You Shouldn't Use It)

While "in this week" might seem logically correct at first glance, its usage is awkward and considered grammatically incorrect by most style guides. The reason is the implied duration. The preposition "in" suggests a period within a larger timeframe. Saying "in this week" implies that "this week" is part of a more extensive period, which is not usually the intended meaning. It creates an unnecessary level of abstraction.

Consider these examples:

• Incorrect: "The meeting is in this week." This sounds clunky and unclear. What larger timeframe is "this week" contained within? The sentence lacks precision.

• Correct: "The meeting is this week." This is much more concise and natural. The phrase "this week" already inherently conveys the time frame.

Correct Alternatives to "On This Week" and "In This Week"

Instead of struggling with the incorrect "on this week" or the awkward "in this week," opt for clearer, more precise alternatives. Here are several suggestions depending on the specific context:

• "This week": This is often the simplest and most effective solution. It's concise and directly conveys the intended meaning. For example: "The concert is this week."

• "Sometime this week": This adds a layer of uncertainty, indicating the exact time is yet to be determined. Example: "I plan to visit sometime this week."

• "Later this week": This specifies that the event will take place towards the end of the week. Example: "We'll discuss this later this week."

• "Early this week": This specifies that the event will occur at the beginning of the week. Example: "The delivery is expected early this week."

• "On [Specific Day] this week": If you know the precise day, this is the most precise way to specify the timeframe. Example: "The meeting is on Tuesday this week." This combines the precision of "on" with the timeframe of "this week."

• "During this week": This option is a more formal way to specify the timeframe. Example: "The sale will continue during this week."

• "Throughout this week": This option emphasizes the event's continuous nature throughout the entire week. Example: "The exhibition will run throughout this week."

Choosing the Right Phrase: Context is Key

The best way to express your intended meaning is to consider the context. If you want to pinpoint a specific day, use "on" followed by the day of the week. If you're referring to a period within the week, using "this week" without any additional prepositions often suffices. Avoid "in this week" entirely.

Here are some examples illustrating the proper usage:

• Instead of: "The sale starts on this week."

• Use: "The sale starts this week." or "The sale starts on Monday this week."

• Instead of: "The movie is shown in this week."

• Use: "The movie is shown this week." or "The movie is shown sometime this week."

• Instead of: "The project deadline is on this week."

• Use: "The project deadline is this week." or "The project deadline is on Friday this week."

Advanced Usage and Potential Pitfalls

While avoiding "on this week" and "in this week" resolves most issues, let's explore some more nuanced situations.

• Future tense: When discussing events in the future, the same principles apply. Instead of "I'll go shopping on this week," use "I'll go shopping this week" or "I'll go shopping on Tuesday this week."

• Past tense: Similarly, for past events, avoid phrases like "The party was in this week." Instead, use "The party was this week" or "The party was on Saturday this week."

• Redundancy: Be cautious of unnecessary repetition. Sentences like "The meeting will take place during this week sometime" are redundant. Simplify to "The meeting will take place sometime this week."

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Conclusion: Precision and Clarity in Your Writing

Mastering the correct use of prepositions is crucial for clear and effective communication. While "on this week" and "in this week" might seem like minor grammatical points, their incorrect use can significantly impact the clarity and professionalism of your writing. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your writing is not only grammatically correct but also stylistically refined and easily understood by your audience. Remember, clear and concise writing contributes to a strong online presence and positively impacts your SEO.