at instruments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at instruments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to music, performance, or technical fields where one is referring to the use or operation of instruments. Example: "The musician was exceptional at instruments, showcasing his talent on the piano and guitar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And why stop at instruments?

The Guardian - Music

"Brian was really good at instruments from a young age," Michael said.

The Guardian - Music

And I'm used to driving not only by looking at instruments, which I look at very closely, and looking at wind conditions and looking for puffs and all that.

The New York Times - Sports

An article in Science Times on Nov. 23 about technology that substitutes one set of sensory information for another in the brain, helping people who have lost a sense like vision or touch, misstated the term for a device in aircraft that lets a pilot feel the movement of the plane without looking at instruments.

The New York Times

"Elaine found herself facing the horizon, a world she'd never seen before bathed in a light she'd never seen before, and that same light was bathing Ricardo's face, as his hands moved over the panel, and he looked at instruments (needles that were spinning, colored lights) she didn't understand".

The New York Times - Books

HUDs that project information on to windscreens can cut down on driver distraction as people spend less time looking down at instruments and more with their eyes on the road, he added.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The top scientists on board, Samantha Joye of the University of Georgia and Vernon Asper of the University of Southern Mississippi, peered intently at instrument readouts, hoping for a signal.

The New York Times - Science

Disla mixed "Vida" at Instrument Zoo, while Ari Blitz and Larry Ryckman served as the mastering engineers.

Wikipedia

The song was recorded by Gleyder Disla at Instrument Zoo Studios and by Brian Summer at Conway Recording Studios – recording studios in Miami, Florida and Hollywood, California respectively.

Wikipedia

Froese recalled how somebody threw a plastic bag full of marmalade at the instruments at a gig in Paris, disabling the equipment.

The Guardian - Music

The idea is to be at your instrument at the scheduled time without exception.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's proficiency, pair "at instruments" with action verbs to showcase their skills effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "at instruments" when "with instruments" better conveys the general presence or involvement of instruments, rather than specific skill or location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at instruments" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate skill, location, or orientation in relation to the instruments. Ludwig confirms that this usage is correct and applicable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at instruments" is grammatically correct and functions as a prepositional phrase that is used to specify skills, location, or actions related to instruments. As per Ludwig, its usage is considered acceptable in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and general reference. Although not as common as other similar phrases, mastering the subtle nuances of when to use "at instruments" can bring clarity and precision to your writing. When describing skill, location, or action concerning musical or scientific devices, this phrase will be useful. Consider "with instruments" as a frequently appropriate alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with instruments

Emphasizes the involvement or usage of instruments in a broader sense.

using instruments

Focuses on the act of utilizing instruments for a specific purpose.

working with instruments

Highlights collaboration or operation involving instruments.

handling instruments

Highlights the physical interaction or manipulation of instruments.

skilled with instruments

Highlights one's level of expertise when manipulating instruments.

proficient with instruments

Highlights one's high level of expertise when manipulating instruments.

adept with instruments

Highlights one's high level of expertise when manipulating instruments.

before instruments

Indicates a position or action prior to the instruments.

in instrument operation

Focuses on the act of operating on instrument for a specific purpose.

near instruments

Implies proximity to instruments, either physical or conceptual.

FAQs

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

You can use "at instruments" to describe someone's skill or location in relation to musical or scientific devices. For example, "She is skilled at instruments" or "The scientists gazed at the instruments".

What's a good alternative to "at instruments"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "with instruments", "using instruments", or "handling instruments".

Is it correct to say "good at instruments"?

Yes, "good at instruments" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe someone's proficiency in playing or using instruments. You could also say "skilled at instruments" for a similar meaning.

How does "at instruments" differ from "with instruments"?

"At instruments" often implies a direct action or skill related to the instruments, while "with instruments" usually denotes a general association or involvement.