Why do we say ‘The sun sets in the west’ and not ‘on the west’?

When we say ‘The sun sets in the west,’ we are using a specific preposition ‘in’ that may seem confusing, especially if you are learning English. In this article, we will explain why ‘in the west’ is correct, and how prepositions work in English to express direction and location.

The Function of Prepositions in English

Prepositions in English are used to show relationships between objects, places, or directions. In the case of ‘The sun sets in the west,’ the preposition ‘in’ is used to describe a location or place where the sun is setting. In English, ‘in’ is commonly used when referring to larger areas, such as regions or directions (e.g., ‘in the city,’ ‘in the park,’ ‘in the west’).

On the other hand, ‘on’ is typically used to describe surfaces or specific locations that something is physically resting on, such as ‘on the table’ or ‘on the wall.’

Why ‘In the West’ and Not ‘On the West’?

‘In’ is the appropriate preposition here because we are referring to a broad, geographical area—the west. When we talk about a general location, especially a direction like ‘north,’ ‘south,’ ‘east,’ or ‘west,’ we use ‘in’ to denote that the action or state occurs within that space.

If we used ‘on the west,’ it would imply a more specific, physical location, which doesn’t apply to a directional concept like ‘the west.’ The sun isn’t on a surface or a boundary; it’s in a directional space.

Common Expressions with ‘In’ for Directions

In addition to ‘in the west,’ there are other common phrases where ‘in’ is used with directions. For example, ‘in the north,’ ‘in the east,’ and ‘in the south.’ These phrases are used to indicate general regions or directions. Notice that ‘in’ helps us express broader areas or the concept of ‘within’ a direction.

Another common example is ‘in the sky,’ which is used to describe something located within the vastness of the sky, rather than on a specific point or surface.

Conclusion

The phrase ‘The sun sets in the west’ is grammatically correct because we are referring to the general direction where the sun sets. Using ‘in’ for directions, regions, or larger areas is standard in English, while ‘on’ is reserved for surfaces or specific locations. Understanding prepositions is key to mastering how we describe locations and directions in English.