In Route or En Route? Which One is Correct?
The English language is filled with phrases borrowed from other languages, and one such phrase that often causes confusion is en route. Many people mistakenly write or say in route, thinking it’s the correct form. However, only one of these expressions is correct, while the other is a common error.
In this article, we will explore the correct usage of en route and explain why in route is incorrect. We’ll also look at examples of proper usage in different contexts and provide practice questions with answers to help reinforce the correct term.
Table of Contents
En Route: The Correct Phrase
Definition of En Route
En route is a French phrase that has been adopted into the English language. It means “on the way” or “in transit.” The phrase is used to describe someone or something that is currently on a journey or in the process of moving toward a particular destination.
- Examples:
- We are en route to the airport.
- The package is en route and should arrive by tomorrow.
- She called me while she was en route to the meeting.
In these examples, en route is used to indicate that someone or something is in the process of traveling from one place to another.
Why En Route is Correct
The phrase en route comes directly from French, where en means “in” or “on” and route means “way” or “road.” Together, they form the expression en route, which translates to “on the way.” Since this phrase is borrowed directly from French, it retains the original French spelling and structure when used in English.
Common Mistake: In Route
Many English speakers mistakenly write in route instead of en route. This error likely occurs because in route sounds similar to en route, and English speakers are more familiar with the preposition in than the French en. However, in route is not a grammatically correct phrase in English.
- Incorrect:
The delivery truck is in route to your house. - Correct:
The delivery truck is en route to your house.
In route is a common spelling mistake and should be avoided. The only correct form is en route.
How to Use En Route Correctly
1. As a Prepositional Phrase
En route is most commonly used as a prepositional phrase, meaning it functions as a modifier to indicate that someone or something is on the way to a destination.
- Examples:
- The team is en route to the stadium for the big game.
- We’ll be en route to the cabin by noon tomorrow.
- The firefighters were en route to the scene of the fire.
In all of these cases, en route is used to describe the action of traveling toward a specific place.
2. En Route with Other Prepositional Phrases
En route can be followed by additional prepositional phrases to specify the destination.
- Examples:
- The plane is en route to New York City.
- The guests are en route to the wedding venue.
- The supplies are en route to the disaster area.
In these examples, en route to is used to specify the destination of a journey.
3. Using En Route in Different Tenses
Since en route is a prepositional phrase, it can be used with different verb tenses depending on the context.
- Present tense:
We are en route to the conference. - Past tense:
They were en route to the airport when the storm hit. - Future tense:
By this time tomorrow, we will be en route to Paris.
The phrase remains en route regardless of the tense of the sentence.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Using in route instead of en route
- Incorrect:
The package is in route to your destination. - Correct:
The package is en route to your destination. - Explanation: In route is not a valid phrase in English. Always use en route.
2. Using enroute as a single word
- Incorrect:
The passengers are enroute to their final destination. - Correct:
The passengers are en route to their final destination. - Explanation: En route is always two separate words. Writing enroute as one word is incorrect.
3. Using en route without specifying a destination
- Incorrect:
We are en route. - Correct:
We are en route to the park. - Explanation: While it’s technically not wrong to say en route without specifying where you’re going, it’s clearer and more precise to include a destination.
Examples of Correct Usage
Let’s explore some more examples to better understand how to use en route in different contexts.
Examples in Sentences
- The ambulance is en route to the hospital.
- The CEO is en route to the meeting and will be here shortly.
- We got stuck in traffic while en route to the beach.
- The supplies are en route and should arrive by the end of the day.
- The athletes are en route to the training facility.
Examples in Different Tenses
- Present tense:
- We are currently en route to the airport.
- Past tense:
- Yesterday, we were en route to the concert when we got a flat tire.
- Future tense:
- Tomorrow, we will be en route to the mountains for a weekend getaway.
Examples in Formal and Informal Contexts
- Formal:
- The military convoy is en route to deliver aid to the affected region.
- Informal:
- I’m en route to the party now. See you soon!
Related Phrases to En Route
While en route is a common phrase, there are other similar expressions in English that convey a similar meaning. Here are a few related phrases:
1. On the Way
On the way is a more casual English equivalent of en route and can be used interchangeably in most cases.
- Examples:
- I’m on the way to the store.
- The pizza is on the way.
2. In Transit
In transit is another phrase that can be used in certain contexts, especially when referring to packages or shipments.
- Examples:
- Your package is in transit and will arrive tomorrow.
- The goods are currently in transit to the distribution center.
Practice Questions
Let’s test your understanding with some practice questions!
Question 1:
Which sentence is correct?
- a) The guests are in route to the wedding.
- b) The guests are en route to the wedding.
Answer:
b) The guests are en route to the wedding.
Explanation: The correct phrase is en route, not in route.
Question 2:
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase (en route or in route):
- The delivery truck is _ to your house.
Answer:
The delivery truck is en route to your house.
Explanation: The correct form is en route (two words).
Question 3:
True or False:
En route can be written as one word (enroute).
Answer:
False.
Explanation: En route is always written as two separate words.
Question 4:
Which sentence is correct?
- a) She is en route to the meeting.
- b) She is in route to the meeting.
Answer:
a) She is en route to the meeting.
Explanation: The correct phrase is en route because in route is incorrect.
Question 5:
Fill in the blank:
- We are _ to the airport and should arrive in 30 minutes.
Answer:
We are en route to the airport and should arrive in 30 minutes.
Explanation: The correct phrase to indicate being “on the way” is en route.
Conclusion
The distinction between en route and in route is simple yet important.
- En route: Means “on the way” or “in transit” and is the correct form. It’s a borrowed phrase from French, and it should always be written as two words.
- In route: Is incorrect and should never be used in standard English.
By understanding this difference and practicing the correct usage of en route, you can ensure your writing is both grammatically accurate and clear. Whether you’re talking about a package, a person, or even yourself, en route is the proper term to use when describing something or someone on the way to a destination.
Remember: the next time you’re on the way somewhere, make sure you’re en route—not in route!
