English is full of phrases that can confuse even the most seasoned speakers. One such pair is “en route” and “in route.” While they may sound similar, they have distinct meanings and usages.
This article aims to clarify the differences between “en route” and “in route,” provide practical examples, and guide you in using the correct form in your writing and speech.
Definition and Usage
Let’s begin by defining both “en route” and “in route,” and exploring their meanings and contexts.
What Does “En Route” Mean?
“En route” is a French term that means “on the way” or “in transit.” It is commonly used in English to describe someone or something that is in the process of traveling to a destination.
Definition:
- On the way: Referring to being in the process of traveling to a particular place.
Examples:
- ✅ “I’m en route to the meeting, so I’ll be there shortly.”
- ✅ “The package is en route and should arrive tomorrow.”
- ✅ “She called while I was en route to the airport.”
What Does “In Route” Mean?
“In route” is an alternative expression that is less common and often considered incorrect by many language purists. However, it can still be used in informal contexts to mean “on the way.”
Definition:
- On the way: Similar to “en route,” but generally viewed as a less formal or less accepted usage.
Examples:
- ✅ “I am currently in route to the office.”
- ✅ “We encountered some delays while in route to our destination.”
- ✅ “He is in route to the conference in Chicago.”
Side-by-Side Comparison
To make it easier to understand when to use “en route” or “in route,” let’s compare them side by side with examples.
| Correct (En Route) | Less Common (In Route) |
| ✅ “I’m en route to the party.” | ❌ “I’m in route to the party.” |
| ✅ “The train is en route.” | ❌ “The train is in route.” |
| ✅ “She is en route to the airport.” | ❌ “She is in route to the airport.” |
| ✅ “We are en route to our destination.” | ❌ “We are in route to our destination.” |
| ✅ “The shipment is en route.” | ❌ “The shipment is in route.” |
As seen in the comparison, “en route” is the preferred and more widely accepted form.
When to Use “En Route”
“En route” is the correct term to use when referring to being in the process of traveling or moving toward a destination. Here are examples in different contexts:
Casual Conversation:
- ✅ “I’m en route to the coffee shop; do you need anything?”
Formal Writing:
- ✅ “The report is currently en route to the editor for review.”
Travel Context:
- ✅ “The flight is en route to its final destination.”
In these examples, “en route” effectively conveys the meaning of being in transit.
Why You Should Avoid “In Route” in This Context
Using “in route” instead of “en route” can be considered grammatically incorrect, particularly in formal contexts. It is less accepted in standard English.
Common Mistake Example:
- ❌ “He is in route to the meeting.”
Correction:
- ✅ “He is en route to the meeting.”
In this case, “in route” is replaced with “en route” for correct usage.
When to Use “In Route”
Although “in route” can be used in informal contexts, it is generally less preferred. You might encounter it in casual conversation or less formal writing.
Casual Conversation:
- ✅ “I’m in route to grab some lunch.”
Less Formal Context:
- ✅ “We are still in route to the event, so please wait for us.”
In these instances, “in route” might be acceptable, but “en route” is usually the better choice.
Why You Should Avoid “En Route” in This Context
While using “en route” in a casual conversation might not be incorrect, it can sound overly formal in certain relaxed settings. However, it’s essential to understand that “en route” is generally preferred.
Common Mistake Example:
- ❌ “We are en route to the picnic.”
Correction:
- ✅ “We are in route to the picnic.” (This can be informal, but “en route” is still better.)
Everyday Usage Examples
To help solidify your understanding, here are practical examples of how to use both “en route” and “in route” in everyday situations:
En Route Examples:
- ✅ “I’ll call you when I’m en route to your place.”
- ✅ “The shipment is en route and should arrive by Friday.”
- ✅ “He’s currently en route to the job interview.”
- ✅ “The bus is en route to the station.”
- ✅ “I saw a text while I was en route to the meeting.”
In Route Examples:
- ✅ “I’m in route to the grocery store.”
- ✅ “They were in route when they hit traffic.”
- ✅ “The car is still in route to the destination.”
- ✅ “She was in route to the theater when she got a flat tire.”
- ✅ “We are in route, but we should arrive soon.”
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “en route” and “in route” is crucial for clear and effective communication.
While both phrases can imply being on the way, “en route” is the correct and preferred form in most contexts. “In route,” while used informally, is less accepted and can lead to confusion.
By using these terms correctly, you can avoid common grammar mistakes and enhance the clarity of your writing and speech.
Keep these tips in mind, and remember to choose “en route” for your travel-related expressions!
