Enroute or On Route

"On route" is not a standard expression in English and may lead to confusion due to its incorrect usage. "En route" is the correct and widely accepted term for indicating that something is in transit or on its way to a destination. To communicate effectively, it's advisable to use "en route" when referring to the progress of a journey or movement from one place to another.

The difference between "on route" and "en route" lies in their spelling and usage, and understanding these distinctions can help ensure proper communication in written and spoken language.

What does the word on route mean?

"On route," on the other hand, is a less common and potentially confusing variation that some people mistakenly use instead of "en route." The phrase "on route" is not standard English, and it doesn't convey the same meaning as "en route." Thus, "on route" should be avoided in formal communication or written work.

What does the word en route mean?

"En route" is a French term that has been incorporated into English and is used to indicate that something is in the process of traveling or on its way to a destination. It is often employed when describing the progress of a journey or the movement of an object from one point to another. For example, "The flight to Paris is en route to its destination," signifies that the flight is currently in progress and heading toward Paris. "En route" is correctly spelled with "en" as a French preposition that means "in" or "on," followed by "route."

Example sentences

We'll be stopping for lunch en route to our destination.
The package is currently en route and should arrive by tomorrow.
They decided to make a detour en route to the beach to visit a local museum.
The flight was delayed, so we spent several hours en route at the airport.
En route to the conference, we encountered heavy traffic on the highway.
The hikers took a break en route to the summit to enjoy the breathtaking view.
The train broke down en route, causing a significant delay in our journey.
We spotted some wildlife en route through the forest.
She lost her wallet en route to the grocery store and had to retrace her steps to find it.
En route to the party, we picked up some snacks and drinks to share with our friends.

Common idioms/phrases

The phrase "en route" is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions itself, but it is often used to describe the journey or the process of traveling in various contexts. Here are some examples of idiomatic expressions and sentences that include "en route":

In the middle of nowhere: This idiom means to be in a remote or isolated location.
- We got lost en route to the cabin and found ourselves in the middle of nowhere.
The scenic route: Taking a longer or more picturesque way to reach a destination.
- We decided to take the scenic route en route to the national park to enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Detour from the main road: To take a side route instead of the most direct path.
- Due to construction, we had to take a detour from the main highway en route to the city.
A pit stop: A brief stop during a journey for rest, refreshment, or a short break.
- We made a pit stop en route to refuel and grab a snack.
On the way: This is a common phrase used to describe something happening during a journey or as part of the process of traveling.
- We picked up some souvenirs on the way to the airport.
Hitting the road: To start a journey or embark on a trip.
- We're hitting the road early tomorrow morning to make the most of our vacation.