The Curious Use of 'In You' vs 'On You'

When discussing internal attributes, emotions, qualities, or physical conditions, you often hear phrases like in you. On the other hand, on you is used when referring to external factors, responsibilities, or physical situations involving contact or presence. Understanding the nuances between these two phrases can be quite intriguing. Let's delve into the finer details to see how they are correctly used.

Understanding the Concepts

Both in you and on you are prepositions that can have different implications depending on the context in which they are used. The phrase in you generally refers to something internal or inherent within a person, such as emotions, qualities, beliefs, or physical conditions. Conversely, on you tends to denote something external or related to a person's responsibilities, actions, or physical presence.

Internal Attributes and Qualities

When discussing internal attributes or qualities, in you is the appropriate choice. For example:

"I see some excellent qualities in you." "There’s an incurable virus in you." "Is there anything in you that tells you this is wrong?" "You’re so shallow and vacuous! There’s nothing, no thoughts, energy, personality in you!"

These phrases all refer to internal aspects, such as qualities, diseases, or moral sense.

External Factors and Responsibilities

When referring to external factors or responsibilities, on you is the correct preposition. Examples include:

"Be careful! There’s a wasp on you!" "What are my identifying features?" "Well, there are several tattoos on you." "I’m going to put this hat on you."

These situations involve physical contact or external features.

Legal and Verbal Context

Additionally, in you can be used in legal contexts, such as legal judgments, to indicate imprisonment:

"Might the judge impose a jail sentence on you?"

Conclusion and Summary

Use of 'In You'

Use in you when discussing internal attributes, emotions, qualities, or physical conditions within a person.

Use of 'On You'

Use on you when referring to external factors, responsibilities, or physical situations involving contact or presence.

These distinctions can sometimes be confusing, but with practice, you can easily navigate the correct use of these phrases in context. If you need more examples or further clarification, feel free to ask!

Remember, whether to use in you or on you ultimately depends on whether you're referring to something inside or outside a person's body or personal attributes.