In Stock or On Stock – Which Is Correct? (+Hyphen Rules)

Even though “in stock” and “on stock” can be heard, do they mean the same thing?  Are the two phrases equally correct? Let’s examine how each phrase is used correctly and which is used most often.

In Stock or On Stock – Which Is Correct?

The correct expression to describe items currently available for purchase from a store or a distribution point is “in stock”. Therefore, the phrase “on stock” is grammatically incorrect. However, the use of “on stock” is still recorded, possibly as a direct translation from another language where “on” is preferred.

Since stock items are listed for reference on a database, it could be that an item on a stock list is referred to as “on stock”, meaning “on the stock list” (which is grammatically correct).  Although technically incorrect, the phrase “on stock” is still heard and used interchangeably to mean “in stock”.

In Stock

The phrase “In stock” refers to the items currently available in the storeroom of a retail outlet. If an article is “in stock”, it is available to buy now.  In this case, the phrase “in stock” appears as two separate words after the item. The opposite phrase is “out of stock”.   

For example:

1. Due to the unprecedented demand after the launch, the boots are no longer in stock, but a new delivery is expected next week.
2. The bookseller told me that, owing to the decrease in demand, they no longer keep the first edition in stock. However, he is confident that he will be able to order it for me.
3. After the recent disruption in supplies, we are pleased to announce that every one of the items in our range of Italian pasta is now back in stock.
4. It is an open secret that we like to keep a few bottles of the perfume in stock for our customers, even though there is little demand for it nowadays.
5. It always pays to keep a few extra boxes of umbrellas in stock just in case they sell out in a heavy summer storm.
6. The size 12 is not in stock in the shop at the moment, but you could try our online store.
7. It is time to place a new order for ink cartridges as there are very few models left in stock.

On Stock

The phrase “on stock” has been replaced by the phrase “in stock” but may still be used by speakers of English as a second language. Since stock items are usually listed, and the preposition “on” is used for items on a list, the phrase “on the stock list” is correct.

 An obscure expression “on the stocks” exists. It means that a new model or version is under development.

Here are some examples of how “on stock” is used in a sentence:

1. The obsolete mobile phone models could only be found stock lists dating back to the late 1990s.
2. The shop assistant told her that the model did not usually appear on stock lists but could be ordered directly from the manufacturer.
3. There was no mention of the spare part on the stock list.
4. It is unfortunate that the original model is no longer in stock but there is a new model on the stocks for release before Christmas.
5. The 1962 vintage was so rare that it never appeared on stock lists in any retail outlet.
6. The inspectors are interested to know whether any obsolete items are still on stock.
7. The database indicates that there is no more cola on stock, but the assistant found a pallet that had been overlooked

Is It “In-Stock” or “In Stock”?

The phrase “in stock” is used as a two-word phrase that comes after the noun to describe its availability. However, it is also possible to use the expression in front of the object it describes. In this case, “in-stock” becomes an adjective and is hyphenated to avoid confusion.  

The adjective is hyphenated to retain the meaning of “in stock” when it is in front of a noun, and the two words have the potential to be separated. If it is not clear that “in-stock” is all one word, the sentence can confuse the reader.

For example:

• Incorrect: The price rises do not affect in stock items.
• Correct: The price rises do not affect in-stock items.

Which Is Used The Most?

Although the phrase “on stock” is technically incorrect, the Google Ngram Viewer records that the phrase “on stock” is in use, but that it is used much less often than the correct expression “in stock”.

However, historical figures indicate that “on stock” was once almost as popular as “in stock” in the past.  Presumably, it has fallen out of use and most modern references do not acknowledge its existence.