at an auction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at an auction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular event at which people bid for items (such as cars, antiques, or artwork). For example: "I was able to buy the painting I wanted at an auction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An anonymous bidder bought the gloves at an auction in Cleveland, US.

BBC

Mrs. Craig-Higgs at an auction.

The New Yorker

I got this ["Hands"] at an auction.

The New York Times - Arts

At an auction of books, manuscripts, and Americana (Dec.

The New Yorker

He bought his first prints at an auction.

The New York Times

The moptopped heartthrobs had purchased it at an auction.

The Guardian - Music

The junk vehicle is then sold at an auction.

The New York Times

The presence of a 'set of buyers' is essential at an auction sale.

Cornell University

Last December, at an auction in Dublin, rare books specialist J.

Princeton University

"The one in the bedroom I got at an auction house on 24th Street," she said.

The New York Times

That time he was bidding on Jack Benny's fiddle at an auction".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about auctions, specify the type of auction (e.g., art auction, car auction) to provide clarity and context for your reader.

Common error

Ensure you use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound. While "auction" starts with a vowel, it is pronounced with an initial vowel sound, making "an auction" correct. Avoid writing "a auction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an auction" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify the location or setting of an action or event. Ludwig shows that it describes where something happens, like buying, selling, or viewing an item.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

17%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at an auction" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify the location of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its prevalence in news and media, as well as academic writing. When using this phrase, remember to specify the type of auction for clarity and avoid the common mistake of writing "a auction". Alternative phrases like "during an auction sale" can add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively use "at an auction" in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during an auction sale

Specifies that the event is a sale taking place during an auction.

in the course of an auction

Emphasizes the time frame within which the event happens.

within an auction setting

Highlights the environment or context of an auction.

at a sale by auction

Reverses the wording while retaining the core meaning.

through auction proceedings

Focuses on the formal process of the auction.

in an auction environment

Highlights the atmosphere or characteristics of the auction.

at an auction event

Clarifies that the auction is a specific type of event.

during the bidding process

Focuses specifically on the act of bidding at an auction.

while participating in an auction

Emphasizes active involvement in the auction process.

when an item is auctioned

Shifts the focus to the item being sold at the auction.

FAQs

How can I use "at an auction" in a sentence?

You can use "at an auction" to describe where something was bought, sold, or viewed. For instance, "I bought this antique clock "at an auction" last week."

What are some alternatives to saying "at an auction"?

Alternatives include "during an auction sale", "in the course of an auction", or "within an auction setting", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a auction" instead of "at an auction"?

No, it is not correct. The phrase should always be "an auction" because the word "auction" begins with a vowel sound. Therefore, the correct usage is ""at an auction"".

What's the difference between "at an auction" and "in an auction"?

"At an auction" refers to the specific location or event, whereas "in an auction" implies being involved or participating within the auction process. While both can be used, ""at an auction"" is more common when referring to a place or event.