Feb 5, 2009 10:57
15 yrs ago
English term
Not a translator
IN/ON the system
Non-PRO
English
Other
Other
When talking about computer system, computer database, should "in" or "on" the system be said?
"in" or "on" the database.
Example: I need to update some figures IN/ON the system.
Should the word "system" really be used?
"in" or "on" the database.
Example: I need to update some figures IN/ON the system.
Should the word "system" really be used?
Responses
| 3 +1 | on the system |
Tony M
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| 3 +1 | in |
Jack Doughty
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References
| Different things |
Rafael Bordabehere (X)
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Responses
+1
4 mins
Selected
on the system
My gut feeling is that when you are referring to a 'system' that involves actual hardware, one should say 'on' — just as one would say 'on my printer / hard drive' or 'on the network'.
The use of the word 'system' is pretty widespread, even though it is really a bit of a colloquialism, I suppose.
However, where the 'system' is something much more abstract, like 'the Social Security system', then I would use 'in' — for example "I don't quite know what progress has been made with your application, but it's in the system somewhere"
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Note added at 5 mins (2009-02-05 11:02:51 GMT)
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Of course, it ought to be 'in' for the database, just as it would be 'in' a filing cabinet (though 'on' is very often found even here)
The use of the word 'system' is pretty widespread, even though it is really a bit of a colloquialism, I suppose.
However, where the 'system' is something much more abstract, like 'the Social Security system', then I would use 'in' — for example "I don't quite know what progress has been made with your application, but it's in the system somewhere"
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Note added at 5 mins (2009-02-05 11:02:51 GMT)
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Of course, it ought to be 'in' for the database, just as it would be 'in' a filing cabinet (though 'on' is very often found even here)
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
+1
4 mins
Jack Doughty
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Native in English
&
English
United Kingdom
Translator since 1953
Native in: English
Works in: Russian to English, German to English, English
Related KudoZ points
:
276
in
I think "in" is preferable to "on" in both cases. Whether you need to use "system" or not depends on the context.
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Kathryn Litherland
: yes. the figures are "in the database" and the database may be "in the system" (part of a larger). A user may be "on the system" (logged on), but the construction would be different "I need to get on the system and update some figures"
3 hrs
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Thank you. Yes, I agree with that.
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Reference comments
9 mins
Reference:
Different things
I guess your are talking about two different things: system and database. System is somewhat general, database is specific. If you are talking about databases, I think the correct preposition is "in". If you are talking about system, you should be more specific.
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