If you’ve ever been unsure about whether to write “en route” or “in route,” you’re not alone. Both phrases are commonly used in everyday language, but only one of them is grammatically correct. While “en route” is the proper form, many people mistakenly use “in route” or even “on route.” In this article, we’ll explore why “en route” is the correct phrase, how other variations have emerged, and provide tips for ensuring you’re using the right one.
What Does “En Route” Mean?
The phrase “en route” comes from French and literally translates to “on the way” or “during the journey.” In English, it is used to describe something that is on its way to a destination. Whether you’re talking about a shipment, a person, or even a trip, “en route” signals that something is currently in transit.
For example:
- “The package is en route to its destination.”
- “We’re en route to the conference.”
In both cases, “en route” indicates that the subject is on the journey, though not necessarily at the destination yet. It’s a versatile expression that conveys progress or movement toward an end point.
Why Is “In Route” a Mistake?
So, why do some people write “in route” instead of “en route”? The answer lies in the pronunciation. When spoken aloud, “en route” sounds very similar to “in route,” which is likely where the confusion arises. English speakers tend to hear the “en” sound and misinterpret it as “in,” leading them to use the incorrect form.
Grammatically speaking, however, “in route” doesn’t make sense. “En route” is the proper phrase because “en” is a preposition in French, meaning “on” or “during,” and it’s used to indicate movement. The phrase “in route” would be an awkward translation from French and is not acceptable in standard English grammar.
Here’s an example of an incorrect use of “in route”:
- “My luggage is in route to the hotel.”
This sentence should use “en route” instead, because the phrase refers to the luggage being on its way to the hotel. “In route” doesn’t fit into English syntax.
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The Evolution of “En Route” in English
“En route” has been in use in English since the 18th century, when it was borrowed from French. French, being a significant influence on the English language, contributed many terms that were adopted into common use. Over time, some of these terms have become anglicized, while others, like “en route,” have kept their French spelling and pronunciation.
The use of “en route” in English was largely formal at first but became more widely accepted in informal contexts over the years. It’s now a standard expression used in everyday speech, despite its French origins.
However, the prevalence of French influence has led to some misunderstandings. English speakers who are less familiar with French may mistakenly write “on route” or “enroute” (a single word), confusing themselves further. Understanding its French roots is key to ensuring you’re using the phrase correctly.
En Route vs. Enroute vs. On Route
Now let’s examine the three variations of the phrase and when they might be used:
- En Route: This is the correct form and is universally accepted in both formal and informal writing. It’s especially important in professional or academic contexts to use the phrase correctly.
- “The truck is en route to its destination.”
- Enroute: This is a nonstandard variation of “en route” but has become increasingly common in informal settings. However, it’s important to note that this is still considered a mistake in formal writing.
- “The flight is enroute to New York.”
- On Route: This is the most controversial variation. While it may seem logical to use “on route,” because it appears to describe being on a route, it is not considered grammatically correct unless you’re specifically referring to a named route. For example, you might say, “We are traveling on Route 66,” but not “We are traveling on route to Chicago.”
- “We are traveling on Route 66.”
In summary, while “en route” is the clear winner in terms of correct usage, “enroute” is gaining popularity in casual writing, and “on route” should generally be avoided.
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When to Use Which Phrase
The key takeaway here is knowing when to use each form based on the context:
- Formal Writing: Always use “en route” in professional or academic settings. This is the grammatically correct form and ensures clarity and correctness in your writing.
- Example: “The medical supplies are en route to the injured soldiers.”
- Casual Writing: In less formal contexts, “enroute” or “on route” might appear, but be mindful of their usage. “Enroute” can be acceptable in personal or informal writing, though “en route” is still preferred.
- Example: “We’re enroute to the beach for the weekend.”
If you’re unsure which to use, always opt for the standard “en route.” It’s safer and more universally accepted.
Conclusion
The correct phrase is “en route”. While “in route” is a common mistake due to pronunciation confusion, it is grammatically incorrect. “On route” is also nonstandard and should be avoided unless specifically referring to a named route. For clarity and correctness, stick with “en route” in most cases, especially in formal writing. If you’re ever uncertain, remember the phrase comes from French, so using the French spelling will help ensure you’re using it properly.
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