What's the Difference between En Route and On Route?

The word En Route is in English language usage from quite a long time. It is here since the 18th century and comes from the French. 

En Route, sometimes, is also written as On Route which is somewhat considered the same when it comes to their meaning. And neither do their definitions oppose a lot.

En Route or On Route

En Route and On Route are one of the classic troublesome pairs. One is formal the latter is informal. One is right the other sounds right and even makes sense, but is certainly not how it should be. The word On Route needs to be used referring to specific insights. En Route as we all know anticipates "on the way" from or to some place. But On Route might go well this way, "On Route 22, we found the best resort." However, in all other cases - We were en route London when we happened to see the Prime Minister from a short distance. En Route is considered as a conventional English language expression.

Difference b/w En Route or On Route

One major difference between the two is, En Route applies to the process when you are into getting somewhere. On the other hand is On Route, which implies to someone following proper directions regardless of the motion. Depending on the context either one can be used, but you definitely should be ready to handle some head-strong criticism.

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However, if you are the one who believes in following the traditional and formal rules, then use En Route. But if you are the one who believes in informal and modernized communication, On Route too solves the purpose.

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For a few people, there's no such thing as best English. Either it all depends upon the language rules, or it goes about with what's suitable and feasible at the present moment. Both the expressions are pretty much valid and understandable. One comes from the traditional usage while the other has a modern definition.

Example

Another differentiation between the two terms is, En Route could be a generalization of the journey whereas On Route comes to be more specific. For instance, On Route 99 we witnessed the most beautiful water stream. We witnessed the most beautiful water stream En Route to London.

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