at a map of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a map of" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not typically used, as the preposition "at" does not fit with the context of referring to a map. Example: "I looked at a map of the city to find the best route."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

After a six-mile hike, I looked at a map of Alaska.

The New York Times - Travel

Now look at a map of Africa and South America.

The Guardian - Books

Next up, look at a map of the world.

The New York Times

"I looked at a map of Europe on the plane.

The Economist

Simply looking at a map of our city suggests a solution.

The New York Times

Looking at a map of Italy, Puglia is on the heel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Go ahead and take a look at a map of America.

The New York Times

In the office, we'd looked at a map of how the city looked in 1843.

Independent

But if you look at a map of the popular votes, you see a more nuanced picture.

The New York Times

He looked at a map of the city's underground waterways that is nearly as old as the park itself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Natural attractions Glance at a map of York and one feature dominates: the river Ouse, a powerful bruiser of a waterway whose banks form a natural cycling route.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to maps, use the prepositions "on" or "in" instead of "at" for grammatical correctness. For example, use "on a map of" or "in a map of".

Common error

Avoid using the preposition "at" when describing the action of looking at a map. This preposition does not align with standard English usage for maps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a map of" functions as a prepositional phrase, but its usage is grammatically questionable. Ludwig indicates that this is not standard English; the prepositions "on" or "in" are more appropriate in this context. While examples exist, they don't validate the correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a map of" is grammatically incorrect and not recommended for use in standard English. Ludwig indicates that it is not considered correct. While some examples can be found, it's better to use phrases like "on a map of" or "in a map of" for better grammatical accuracy and clarity. Therefore, while the phrase appears in various contexts, adopting grammatically correct alternatives will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On a map of

Replaces the preposition "at" with "on", which is grammatically more correct when referring to a map.

In a map of

Replaces the preposition "at" with "in", which can be appropriate depending on the context.

Looking at a map of

Adds the verb "looking" to explicitly state the action of viewing the map.

Consulting a map of

Uses "consulting" to imply a more deliberate use of the map for information.

Examining a map of

Replaces "looking" with "examining", suggesting a closer inspection of the map.

Studying a map of

Implies a careful and detailed analysis of the map.

Reviewing a map of

Suggests a process of going over the map to refresh one's understanding.

Using a map of

Focuses on the action of utilizing the map for navigation or other purposes.

Referencing a map of

Highlights the act of using the map as a reference tool.

Checking a map of

Suggests a quick look at the map to verify information.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "at a map of"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The standard English usage is to say "on a map of" or "in a map of" instead. For instance, you might say, "The location is marked "on a map of" the city".

What prepositions should I use when referring to a map?

The most appropriate prepositions are "on" and "in". You can say "on a map" to indicate a location shown on the map, or "in a map" when the map is part of a larger collection or document.

What can I say instead of "at a map of"?

Alternatives include ""on a map of"", "in a map of", "looking at a map of", or "consulting a map of" depending on the context.

How does using "on a map of" differ from "in a map of"?

"On a map of" typically refers to a location being depicted or shown on the map. "In a map of" might refer to a map's presence within a collection, like "in a book of maps".