at a card

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a card" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a specific context, such as playing a card game or discussing a card, but without additional context, it is unclear when to use it. Example: "I was sitting at a card table, waiting for my turn to play."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He glanced at a card.

The New Yorker

Mr. Butler's girlfriend found them seated at a card table.

The New York Times

I met her there, and we sat at a card table near the door.

The New Yorker

So he put Ms. Hicks to work at a card table in his garage.

The New York Times

Perhaps the seller bought it at a card show 30 years ago for $50.

The New York Times

Several elderly men sat smoking at a card table in front of the shop.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

At a card-table, a trio of 20-somethings were deep in a game of Clue.

The New York Times - Travel

A few months after he tried to catch Jeter's ball, Maier met Jeter at a card-signing but said he was too tongue-tied to talk.

The New York Times - Sports

This would also confirm the reports that we heard that it is looking at a card-style format — essentially adding commerce 'cards' into the river in the same way that a promoted post, or a very noncommercial photo from your friend, might appear in your feed today.

TechCrunch

Yes, you need to establish credit - but do that by getting a "secured card" -- backed by a savings deposit of $300 or more at a card-issuing bank.

Huffington Post

To take part, you must register a card at amexshopsmall.co.uk.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the act of playing, use "during a card game" or "while playing cards".

Common error

Avoid using "at a card" when describing general locations. Instead, specify "at the card table" or rephrase to emphasize the activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a card" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often indicating location or association with the act of playing cards. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage in describing scenarios involving card games and card tables.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at a card" appears in various contexts, it's crucial to acknowledge, as Ludwig AI indicates, that it is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English. It often requires further context, such as "at a card table" or rephrasing to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, its usage spans a range from neutral to informal registers. When writing, prefer more specific phrases like "at the card table" or "during a card game" to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication. Ludwig can help you find the best and most accurate alternative for your sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the card table

Replaces the preposition "at" with "by", indicating a location near the card table.

near a card table

Emphasizes proximity rather than direct placement or action.

seated at the card table

Specifies the action of being seated, adding more detail.

at the gaming table

Substitutes "card" with the broader term "gaming", encompassing various games.

during a card game

Focuses on the activity rather than the physical location.

while playing cards

Highlights the action of playing cards, shifting the emphasis.

with a playing card

Focuses on possession of a playing card.

inspecting a card

Emphasizes the action of looking closely at a card.

holding a card

Highlights the action of physically holding a card.

glancing at a card

Specifies a quick look at a card.

FAQs

How can I use "at a card table" correctly in a sentence?

Use "at a card table" to indicate someone's location while playing cards, for example: "They sat "at a card table", ready for the game to begin."

What are some alternatives to "at a card table"?

Consider using alternatives like "near the card table", "by the card table", or "around the card table" to describe the proximity of something to the table.

Is it grammatically correct to say "at a card"?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "at a card" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English, so it is better to rephrase your sentence.

When should I use "during a card game" instead of "at a card"?

Use "during a card game" when you want to emphasize the activity or events happening while playing cards, rather than the location. For example: "Tensions were high "during a card game"".