at an event

USAGE SUMMARY

"at an event" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe actions or situations taking place during a specific event or gathering. Example: I saw many famous celebrities at the movie premiere last night. They were all dressed in fancy gowns and suits, ready to walk down the red carpet and pose for photos at the event.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Get bums on seats at an event?

The Guardian

"She's cooking at an event," Jenkins said.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is speaking at an event.

The New York Times

Because being at an event beats not being at an event.

Independent

I recently met a successful author at an event.

The New York Times

Not long ago, I saw Anne Hathaway at an event.

The New York Times

"It's like looking through a glass window at an event".

The New York Times - Sports

Attorney General Janet Reno appeared at an event in Baltimore.

The New York Times

"I met the Shoreditch Sisters at an event," says Martha.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At an event like the Olympics, that could be disastrous".

The New York Times - Sports

It can be visited only at an event like this.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at an event" to specify location and context simultaneously. For instance, "I met her "at an event" last week" is more concise than "I met her last week when I was at an event."

Common error

Avoid using unnecessary qualifiers with "at an event". Phrases like "at a public event" or "at a special event" can often be simplified to just "at an event" if the context already implies it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an event" primarily functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb by specifying the location where an action takes place. Ludwig provides several examples where the phrase indicates the setting of an action or occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at an event" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify the location of an action or occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly news and media, and academic settings. To enhance your writing, use the phrase to provide context and avoid redundant qualifiers. Consider alternatives like "during the event" or "at the function" for varied expression. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively use "at an event" in your writing to provide clarity and specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the event

Focuses on the time frame of the event rather than the location.

while attending the event

Emphasizes the action of attending and its temporal overlap.

at the function

Uses a synonym for "event", implying a more formal setting.

in attendance at the event

Highlights the presence of someone or something.

present at the event

Similar to 'in attendance' but slightly more formal.

on the occasion

Emphasizes the specific instance or happening.

participating in the event

Focuses on active involvement rather than just presence.

during proceedings

Refers to the activities taking place at the event, often formal.

in the course of the event

Highlights actions that happen as the event unfolds.

at the gathering

Replaces "event" with a more general term, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

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

The phrase "at an event" typically specifies where an action or situation occurred, for example, "I saw him "at an event" yesterday".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "during the event", "at the function", or "while attending the event".

Is it more correct to say "at an event" or "in an event"?

The correct preposition to use is "at", making "at an event" the grammatically correct choice. "In an event" is generally not used in standard English.

What's the difference between "at an event" and "during an event"?

"At an event" specifies the location where something happens, whereas "during an event" refers to the time frame within which something occurs. Both phrases could be used depending on the intended meaning.