at a party

USAGE SUMMARY

'at a party' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: I had an enjoyable evening at a party last night.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're at a party.

The New York Times

They met at a party.

The Economist

To be the hostess at a party?

The New York Times

"Noble, but awkward at a party".

Independent

The couple officially met at a party.

The New York Times

At a party.

The Guardian - Arts

We met at a party.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'll play the congas at a party.

The New York Times

We did play at a party once.

The Guardian - Music

"At a party, yes," Turner replied.

The Guardian

I wouldn't even sing at a party.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a party" to describe location or setting, especially when narrating personal experiences or describing scenes in creative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at a party" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more neutral or specific language depending on the context, such as "at a social gathering" or "during the event".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a party" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase of place, modifying a verb or clause to specify the location where an action occurs or a state exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase. Example: "They met "at a party"."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a party" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate location, particularly in social contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. While predominantly found in news, media, and informal writing, its appropriateness depends on the overall formality of the text. Remember to consider more specific alternatives in formal settings. Using "at a party" effectively enhances clarity and provides a relatable setting for your narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a social gathering

Replaces "party" with a more general term for a social event, suitable for formal contexts.

at a celebration

Focuses on the celebratory aspect of the event, emphasizing joy and festivity.

at a get-together

Suggests a casual and informal gathering, implying a relaxed atmosphere.

at an event

A very broad alternative, applicable to any kind of organized occasion.

at a festivity

Similar to 'celebration' but can imply a longer or more elaborate event.

at a function

Implies a more formal and structured event, often with a specific purpose.

during the party

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being at the party, useful for describing actions that occur during the event.

in attendance at a party

Emphasizes the act of being present, useful in more formal or descriptive writing.

while partying

Captures the active and engaged experience of being at a party.

participating in a party

Highlights active involvement rather than just presence.

FAQs

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

"At a party" is used to indicate location or setting. For example: "I met my best friend "at a party"" or "She felt uncomfortable "at a party" where she didn't know anyone".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at a social gathering", "during the celebration", or "at the event".

Is it correct to say "in a party" instead of "at a party"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "at". Saying "in a party" is grammatically incorrect. Use ""at a party"" to indicate location.

What's the difference between "at a party" and "during a party"?

"At a party" refers to being present at the location of the party. "During a party" refers to actions or events that occur within the time frame of the party. For example, "I was "at a party"" vs. "I met her during a party".