at accident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at accident" is not correct and is not commonly used in written English.
The correct phrase to use would be "in an accident." For example: - Incorrect: I was at accident yesterday. - Correct: I was in an accident yesterday. Here are some examples of correct usage of "in an accident": - She was injured in an accident on the highway. - He was involved in a car accident last week. - The company apologized for the accident that occurred at their factory.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sunday is typically the second-busiest day for attendances at accident and emergency departments.

The Times

And at accident scenes, he said, unsecured pets could bolt into traffic, creating additional hazards.

The New York Times

Traffic congestion occurs frequently at downtown intersections during rush hours, at road construction zones as well as at accident sites.

Transportation Research Part B: Methodological

Drivers, please slow down and yield to rescue personnel and their vehicles, and to police at accident sites.

The Washington Post

Eventually, the material could be used by first responders to stop bleeding at accident sites and on the battlefield.

MIT Technology Review

Cameron (Derek Luke), the quiet family man, becomes a roving philanderer who hits on injured women at accident scenes.

The New York Times - Arts

A paper published in the British Medical Journal looking at accident data from 1986 to 2006 gave London's 20mph zones credit for a reduction in casualties by 42%.

The Economist

They are also less likely to stay at accident scenes, according to Yale Law School's Jerome N. Frank Legal Services Organisation.

The Economist

To describe the characteristics of case-managed patients presenting at accident and emergency (A & E) and to explore the distribution of their attendances and admissions.

Applied Nursing Research

No significant differences of papillary thyroid carcinoma architecture depending on the patient's age at accident and on a duration of latent period have been revealed.

International Congress Series

And these stories will be modern, including vampires unlike anything in past literature -these are people who gather at accident sites!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct preposition, "in", when referring to being involved in an accident. For example, say "in an accident" instead of "at accident".

Common error

Avoid using "at" when "in" is grammatically correct. "At" indicates a location, while "in" indicates involvement. The correct phrase is "in an accident".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at accident" functions as a prepositional phrase, but it's grammatically incorrect. It is often intended to specify a location or situation related to an accident. Ludwig AI indicates that the correct usage involves the preposition "in,"

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "at accident" appears frequently, it's essential to recognize that it's grammatically incorrect. The correct preposition is "in," as in "in an accident." Ludwig AI clearly indicates this distinction. Despite its prevalence across various sources, including news and scientific publications, adhering to correct grammar is crucial. Remember to use ""in an accident"" to accurately convey involvement or occurrence. Using the correct preposition ensures clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the accident

Replaces "at" with "in" to denote location within the event.

at the scene of the accident

Specifies a location related to the accident.

present at the accident site

Highlights being present at the accident site.

involved in the accident

Highlights participation or implication in the accident.

near the accident location

Indicates proximity to the accident's location.

after the accident

Focuses on the temporal sequence following the accident.

responding to the accident

Describes actions taken in response to the accident.

affected by the accident

Emphasizes the impact or consequences of the accident.

dealing with the accident

Indicates managing the aftermath or consequences of the accident.

witnessing the accident

Focuses on the act of seeing the accident occur.

FAQs

What is the correct preposition to use with "accident," "at" or "in"?

The correct preposition to use is "in." You should say "in an accident" rather than "at accident."

How can I avoid using the incorrect phrase "at accident"?

Always remember to use "in" to indicate involvement in the accident. For example, say "I was "in an accident"" instead of "I was at accident."

What is the difference between saying "at the scene of an accident" and "in an accident"?

"At the scene of an accident" refers to the location where the accident happened, while ""in an accident"" indicates that someone was involved or affected by the accident itself.

Is "at accident" ever correct in a sentence?

No, "at accident" is not grammatically correct. The correct usage is ""in an accident"" to indicate involvement or experience.