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onto
ON-too
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1
Moving to a position on top of or upon something.
"The cat jumped onto the windowsill."
2
Aware of what someone is doing, especially something suspicious or secret.
"The police were onto the smuggling ring within weeks."
How to Use Onto
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMoving to a position on top of something, or (informally) aware of a secret or plan.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "on to," written as two words, which is used when "on" belongs with the verb before it (e.g., "hold on to your hat," not "hold onto your hat" in strict style — though both are common in everyday writing).
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Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cat jumped _____ the windowsill.
Etymology
Formed from on + to, modeled on the pattern of "into."