at a corner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a corner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location or position that is situated at the intersection of two lines or edges, typically referring to streets or physical spaces. Example: "The coffee shop is located at a corner of Main Street and Second Avenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I arrived at a corner building.

The New Yorker

At a corner, Hall started scribbling notes.

The New York Times

His buying campaign was an attempt at a corner.

The New Yorker

Dad found Harrelson sitting at a corner table.

The Guardian - Books

To make money, I worked at a corner drugstore.

The New York Times - Style

He points up at a corner of the ceiling.

The Guardian - Sport

Most are in plain sight, appropriately enough, at a corner of the building.

The New York Times

At a corner, West continued, Hood got out and bought a dime bag.

The New Yorker

In Rome, the poet says, he once saw a woman waiting at a corner.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

DJ Space Cowboy was present at a corner, playing the backing music.

Wikipedia

(C ) Examining an alternative tethering model in which the polymerase promotes incorporation at a 'corner' site.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, be specific. Instead of just saying "at a corner", consider adding descriptive details: "at a bustling corner", "at a dimly lit corner", or "at a corner near the park".

Common error

Avoid using "at a corner" when a more precise location is known. Instead of saying "Meet me at a corner", specify "Meet me at the corner of Elm Street and Maple Avenue" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a corner" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb by specifying a location. It provides spatial information, indicating where something is situated in relation to an intersection or edge. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing both indoor and outdoor positions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a corner" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies a location. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to describe positions at intersections or edges. While generally neutral in register, precision and descriptive details can enhance its effectiveness. By avoiding vagueness and considering alternatives such as "on the corner of", writers can ensure clarity and stylistic variation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the corner of

Specifies a location where two streets or paths meet; it's a more common and direct alternative.

in the corner of

Emphasizes the position within a defined area, usually indoors or a specific region.

at the edge of

Indicates a position along a boundary or border, similar but less specific than "at a corner".

at the junction of

Highlights the meeting point of two or more things, more formal and often used for roads or paths.

at the intersection of

Similar to "at the junction of" but emphasizes the crossing of two distinct entities.

on the periphery of

Suggests a location on the outer boundary or edge of something.

in the vicinity of the corner

Indicates a location near the corner, but not necessarily right at it.

near the corner of

Similar to "in the vicinity of the corner", implying proximity.

adjacent to the corner

Indicates something is next to or adjoining the corner.

by the corner of

A simple way to indicate nearness to the corner.

FAQs

How can I use "at a corner" in a sentence?

You can use "at a corner" to specify a location where two streets or sides of a building meet. For example, "The store is located "at a corner" of Main Street and 1st Avenue."

What are some alternatives to saying "at a corner"?

Some alternatives to "at a corner" include "on the corner of", "at the intersection of", or "in the corner of", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "at a corner" or "on a corner"?

Both "at a corner" and "on a corner" are generally acceptable, but "on a corner" is more common when referring to street locations. "At a corner" may be used more broadly to indicate a position where edges meet.

What's the difference between "at a corner" and "in a corner"?

"At a corner" typically refers to an external location where streets or buildings meet, while "in a corner" usually refers to an internal location within a room or defined space.