In the street vs on the street

[ROBINDESBOIS]

Is there a difference?

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by ROBINDESBOIS

Is there a difference?

Yes, there can be, depending on context.

There is a shop in that street which sells newspapers.
There is a shop on that street which sells newspapers.

But 'on the street' has the suggestion of poverty, or rough living, where you have to be 'streetwise'.

He has lost his job, and is now on the street.
(he has nowhere to live)

[irmamar]

And he fell on the street, I think

And the cars, I guess they are on the street

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

And he fell on the street, I think

And the cars, I guess they are on the street

Yes, but you must be careful not to use 'on the street' in the wrong context. He was in the street means he was standing there in that place. He was on the street could mean he was standing there in that place, or it could mean he was destitute (indigente).

[irmamar]

Originally Posted by Perikles

Yes, but you must be careful not to use 'on the street' in the wrong context. He was in the street means he was standing there in that place. He was on the street could mean he was standing there in that place, or it could mean he was destitute (indigente).

But the cars are on the street, or can they be in the street, as well?

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

But the cars are on the street, or can they be in the street, as well?

Hmmm. Yes. I think so. If there is a difference, it is subtle.

[irmamar]

Thanks, Perikles. Anyway, I'd say "on" in this case.

[Rusty]

The cars in the street and the cars on the street mean exactly the same thing.

Using on the street, in the idiomatic way mentioned by Perikles, is conveyed by context. Otherwise, people in the street or people on the street have the same meaning.
The people on the street are dressed warmly today.
The people in the street are dressed warmly today.

But:
The people on the street can't afford to dress warmly.
Here we are using the turn of phrase that Perikles expressed.

[ROBINDESBOIS]

Thanks

[EmpanadaRica]

In addition (if that.. )

'On the street' tends to be more specifically on that street concretely. These people on this street at this moment (i.e. those specific people..). (Though in fact it can also be used as a more general statement such as in Rusty's example.. )

Whereas 'In the street' tends to pertain to a more general statement imho.

I am reminded of the song 'Dancing in the street'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaZCZnmdmbA