Have you ever paused while writing a sentence like: “The package is in route” and wondered if it was correct? This small phrase has caused big confusion for English speakers, writers, and professionals.
Many people hear “en route” in everyday conversation and automatically write it as “in route”, thinking it sounds right. The truth is, only one of these spellings is correct in standard English.
This guide will break it down completely, show you when to use each, highlight common mistakes, and give you practical tips to remember the right form.
Understanding the Basics: “En Route” vs “In Route”
“En route” comes directly from French, meaning “on the way” or “along the way.” Over time, it entered English as a borrowed phrase. On the other hand, “in route” is technically incorrect in formal English, though many people use it informally.
Using the wrong form in professional communication can make your writing look careless. Yet, this confusion is surprisingly common, especially in emails, texts, and social media posts. Let’s break down the details so you can use these phrases confidently.
What “En Route” Really Means
Definition:
En route is a French-origin phrase that literally means “on the way.” It functions as an adverbial phrase, describing the progress or movement toward a destination.
Etymology & History:
- Originates from French “en” (in/on) and “route” (road/way).
- Entered English in the 19th century through travel and military contexts.
- Initially common in aviation, shipping, and railway communication.
Grammatical Role:
- Functions as a prepositional/adverbial phrase.
- Usually precedes the verb or is inserted mid-sentence:
- “The shipment is en route to New York.”
- “We are en route and will arrive shortly.”
Correct Usage:
You use en route whenever you mean that someone or something is on the way to a destination.
Examples:
- Everyday: “I’m en route to the grocery store; see you soon.”
- Business: “The documents are en route and should arrive by 3 PM.”
- Figurative: “He is en route to becoming a successful entrepreneur.”
Common Contexts for “En Route”
Travel and Logistics:
- Airlines: “Flight 205 is en route to Los Angeles.”
- Delivery services: “Your package is en route and will arrive tomorrow.”
Professional Communication:
- Emails to clients: “The signed contract is en route via courier.”
- Project updates: “The team is en route to completing the milestone.”
Everyday Conversation:
- Text messages: “Hey, I’m en route. Be there in 15 minutes.”
Figurative Usage:
- Metaphorical examples: “She is en route to achieving her lifelong goals.”
Pro Tip: Even in casual contexts, spelling it en route correctly makes your writing look polished and professional.
Breaking Down “In Route”
Definition & Meaning:
At first glance, in route seems like it could be correct, but it’s a misinterpretation of en route. It doesn’t exist in formal dictionaries as a standard English phrase.
Origins of the Confusion:
- Phonetic assumption: People hear “en route” and spell it as it sounds.
- Typographical errors: Auto-correct or hurried writing introduces “in route.”
- Literal thinking: Some confuse it with “on the route” or “in the route of something.”
Incorrect Usage Examples:
- Social media: “The delivery is in route.” ❌
- Informal emails: “I’m in route to the office.” ❌
Frequent Misunderstandings:
- Mistakenly treated as standard English in casual communication.
- Thought to be more “Americanized” than the French en route.
Examples of Wrong Usage:
- “The team is in route to the conference.” ❌
- “I’ll be there soon; I’m in route.” ❌
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | En Route | In Route |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | French: “on the way” | Misinterpretation of en route |
| Correctness | ✅ Standard English | ❌ Nonstandard / Incorrect |
| Formal Use | Business, professional, academic | Rare, informal errors |
| Informal Use | Common in texting and casual conversation | Sometimes used, but incorrect |
| Example | “The package is en route.” | “The package is in route.” ❌ |
Key takeaway: If you want to stay correct and professional, always use en route.
Common Mistakes and Traps
Even seasoned writers fall into these traps. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Mishearing: Sounds like “in route,” so people write it that way.
- Auto-correct Errors: Word processors often “correct” to common English words.
- Literal Confusion: Thinking “in route” means “inside a route” literally.
- Context Overlooked: Forgetting the difference between figurative and literal usage.
Pro Tip: Always double-check spellings for borrowed foreign phrases like en route, especially in professional emails.
Practical Tips to Remember the Difference
- Memory Trick: “En” in French literally means “on/in,” so remember it’s always en route.
- Visual Cue: Picture a vehicle moving along a road – it’s on the way.
- Avoid shortcuts: Typing in route may feel natural, but it’s wrong.
- Proofread: Always re-read emails, texts, and reports to ensure proper usage.
Real-World Examples
Travel & Logistics:
- “The cargo ship is en route from Shanghai to Long Beach.”
- “Flight AF123 is en route and will land at 10:30 AM.”
Professional Emails:
- “Dear Client, the signed contracts are en route via express courier.”
Everyday Conversation:
- “I’m en route. Should I pick up dinner on the way?”
Figurative / Metaphorical:
- “The startup is en route to disrupting the tech industry.”
Common Mistakes in Professional Settings
Mistakes like “in route” can create misunderstandings in professional writing. Consider these examples:
| Incorrect | Correct | Why Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| “The documents are in route.” | “The documents are en route.” | Standardized English and professional tone |
| “I’m in route to the client meeting.” | “I’m en route to the client meeting.” | Correct grammar and spelling |
| “Shipment is in route.” | “Shipment is en route.” | Avoids confusion in logistics |
Pro Tip: Even if your audience understands “in route,” it may signal a lack of attention to detail.
Quick Tips to Remember
- Always spell it en route.
- Use it for both literal and figurative movement.
- Avoid “in route” in formal and professional contexts.
- Remember its French origin to stay correct.
- Double-check emails, reports, and social media posts.
FAQs
What does “en route” mean?
Answer: It means “on the way” or “along the way” and is used to describe movement toward a destination.
Is “in route” ever correct?
Answer: No, in route is considered incorrect in standard English.
Can I use “en route” in casual texting?
Answer: Yes, it’s fine in informal texts and messages.
How do I remember the correct spelling?
Answer: Think of its French origin: “en” means “on/in,” so it’s always en route.
Can “en route” be used figuratively?
Answer: Yes, e.g., “She is en route to achieving her goals.”
Key Takeaways
- En route is correct; in route is almost always wrong.
- The phrase originated from French and means on the way.
- Commonly used in travel, logistics, professional communication, and figurative speech.
- Side-by-side comparisons, tables, and memory aids help prevent mistakes.
- Proofreading ensures accuracy and professional credibility.
