Use of 'in the mountain', 'in the mountains', 'on the mountain', 'on the mountains'.
The phrases "in the mountain," "in the mountains," "on the mountain," and "on the mountains" have distinct meanings and usages depending on the context.
In the mountain
This phrase is used when referring to something located inside the mountain or within its structure.
There is a huge cave in the mountain.
The workers dug tunnels in the mountain.
The treasure was hidden in the mountain.
The ancient ruins were discovered in the mountain.
In the mountains
The phrase is commonly used to describe being within a mountainous area or a mountain range. It emphasizes being surrounded by mountains, rather than referring to a specific mountain. This is the most common usage.
The air is so fresh in the mountains.
We spent our vacation in the mountains.
He lives in the mountains, far from the city.
There are many hiking trails in the mountains.
They went hiking in the mountains last weekend.
On the mountain
This phrase refers to something located on the surface or top of a specific mountain.
The ski resort is on the mountain.
There was snow on the mountain.
There is a small temple on the mountain.
We set up camp on the mountain to enjoy the view.
The climbers are on the mountain, trying to reach the summit.
There is a small cabin on the mountain where hikers can rest.
On the mountains
This is less common phrase. It refers to something located on the surface or top of multiple mountains.
The moonlight glows on the mountains.
The roads are difficult to build on the mountains.
The snow on the mountains is melting due to global warming.
Key Examples
We went hiking on the mountain.
(This implies that the hiking took place on a specific mountain.)
We went hiking on the mountain near the lake.
We went hiking on the mountain behind our house.
We went hiking in the mountains.
(This implies that the hiking took place in a mountainous area.)
We went hiking in the mountains last weekend.
We often go hiking in the mountains.