6

Let's say that I have two workstations, "lengo1" and "lengo2". I would like to ask someone to transfer data from lengo1 to a folder "in?" or "on?" lengo2. For example:

Would you mind transferring the data to my folder in lengo2?

Would you mind transferring the data to my folder on lengo2?

In regard to preposition usage, which sentence is correct?

| improve this question | |
  • 3
    Would you mind transferring. The verb mind calls for using ing in the verb that follows it. Would you mind correcting your examples? – Lambie Mar 21 '18 at 13:59
  • @Lambie. Thank you so much for correcting me. Would you mind answering my question: If I say "would you mind if you transfer the data to my folder in leng2" is this sentence sound correct? – goro Mar 21 '18 at 14:19
  • 1
    @goro, that is not correct. "Would you please transfer the data..." would be good if you're trying to avoid the "ing" on transferring. – JPhi1618 Mar 21 '18 at 18:29
  • Possible duplicate of (In, On or At) GitHub? – Polygnome Mar 21 '18 at 20:43
  • 1
    @goro when writing I believe that may be a bit awkward, but if you were to speak that it would sound totally fine in my opinion. – MCMastery Mar 21 '18 at 20:48
18

Would you mind transferring the data to my folder on lengo2?

Usually when referring to a file located on a PC, we use the word on, not in. I attribute this to the fact that the data is encoded onto the hard drive's platter, not in the platter, but other people may have less technical reasons.

| improve this answer | |
  • 3
    I agree, but it would me: to the folder on my PC. Also, it would be useful to correct the grammar, wouldn't it? – Lambie Mar 21 '18 at 14:00
  • 3
    Not necessarily, sometimes there is a shared computer, and you have your own folder on that belongs only to you. Such is common with college workstations, where users usually have their own individual folder. In this case, you would say transfer the data to my folder. – Element115 Mar 21 '18 at 15:33
  • 11
    I'll go beyond "usually" to say that as an IT person I literally never say a file is "in" a computer. It's always "on". – Monty Harder Mar 21 '18 at 16:47
  • 1
    @MontyHarder I second that. Hardware is in a computer, files are on a computer – Kevin Mar 21 '18 at 17:37
  • 4
    I'm pretty sure the use of "on" has nothing to do with hard drives. Programs have been on TV and music on the radio for decades, so the usage seems at least related. – chepner Mar 21 '18 at 22:15

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.