>> Typical would be that they are "in" the tree, meaning "in and among the
>> branches and leaves." They would also be *on* a branch, meaning
>> standing on top of a branch. Interesting, the branch is also *on* the
>> tree, in this case meaning "attached to", similar to how an ornament is
>> hung *on* a Christmas tree.
>
> As I see it, 'in' referring to the birds means "inside the canopy" (and
> frequently hidden). The ornaments are designed to be seen from the
> outside, and are hung onto the (branches of the) tree.
Which is actually quite logical - contrary to what we usually say in Polish
- birds sit always ON the tree regardless of their actual position. And I
assure you there are leaves on those trees most of the year :)
I wouldn't say 'in the tree [PL]' unless in a hollow trunk of a dead tree -
not even in the hollow in a living one.
A seat is even a better example - we always 'sit ON a seat [PL]', 'ON an
armchair [PL]' and 'ON a chair [PL]' obviously.
And what about English in this case? I always say 'IN the seat' but
according to dictionary.com ON too is possible. Any difference? And what
about a chair - I usually say ON. Correct?
>> No wonder English is such a difficult language! :)
>
> At least the syntax is simpler than German (or Russian -- do you really
> want six inflected cases?)...
All the less - I think - you'd like to have seven of them as in Polish :)
But e.g. the idiomatical stratum and the (UN)COUNATBILITY of nouns in
English are definitely more complicated than here. And it's not just these
two fields I find more complex in English - however amorphical it is :)
Kindest regards.
--
Peter Damer [http://piotrd.czuby.net/]
[www]: http://kolej.czuby.net/
[mobile]: +48 505 924 130
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