at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific location, time, or point of reference. Example: "I will meet you at the coffee shop at 3 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At a dinner at a N.A.T.O.

The New Yorker

at a bar.

The New Yorker

Look at a map.

The Economist

I'm at a lost".

Independent

Sitting at a desk.

The New Yorker

Danced at a wedding?

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm at a loss".

The New York Times

Blavatsky at a loom.

The New Yorker

At a Feb.

The New York Times

At a BP station.

Independent

At a restaurant".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at" to specify a precise location or time. For broader locations or timeframes, consider using "in" or "on".

Common error

Avoid using "at" for general locations like countries or large areas; "in" is more appropriate. For example, say "in Italy" not "at Italy".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "at" is to indicate a location or point in time. Ludwig AI highlights its use in various contexts, such as "At a dinner", "Sitting at a desk", demonstrating its function as a preposition relating nouns or pronouns to places or moments.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The preposition "at" is a fundamental element in English grammar, primarily used to denote specific locations or points in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, "at" is grammatically sound and applicable across diverse written contexts. Although the frequency of the term is currently not captured, the wide range of sources—including news outlets, wikis, and scientific publications—suggests its pervasive use. To ensure accuracy, remember to use "at" for precise locations and times, while opting for "in" or "on" for broader references. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively leverage "at" to improve the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In

Indicates enclosure or containment within a space or time.

On

Specifies a surface or a particular day/date.

By

Indicates proximity or means.

Near

Expresses closeness in distance.

Around

Indicates surrounding or approximate location.

Within

Specifies being inside certain limits or boundaries.

Towards

Indicates direction or approach.

Among

Specifies being included or occurring within a group.

During

Denotes a period of time when something happens.

Throughout

Indicates extending or happening during the whole of a period.

FAQs

How do I use "at" to refer to time?

Use "at" to specify a precise time, such as "at 3 PM". For general periods, use "in" (e.g., "in the afternoon") or "on" for specific days (e.g., "on Monday").

What's the difference between using "at", "in", and "on" for locations?

"At" specifies a precise location (e.g., "at the corner"), "in" refers to enclosed spaces or areas (e.g., "in the room"), and "on" indicates a surface (e.g., "on the table").

When should I use "at" instead of alternatives like near or by?

Use "at" for a specific point, while "near" indicates proximity, and "by" suggests being alongside or close to something.

Is it ever incorrect to use "at"?

Yes, it's incorrect to use "at" for indefinite locations or general areas. For instance, use "in Europe" rather than "at Europe". Also, avoid using "at" when "to" is more appropriate for indicating direction, such as "go to the store" instead of "go at the store".